Bengaluru-bound Akasa Air flight QP1335 with 184 passengers declared an emergency and returned to Delhi after it reportedly received a bomb threat. Minutes later, a Delhi-bound IndiGo flight from Mumbai had to be diverted to Ahmedabad due to similar reasons, recording the 12th incident in the past three days.

Sources reported that Akasa Air received the threat via social media.

Reacting to the incident, Akasa Air spokesperson said, “Akasa Air flight QP 1335, flying from Delhi to Bengaluru on October 16, 2024, and carrying 174 passengers, 3 infants and 7 crew members on board received a security alert. The Akasa Air Emergency Response teams are monitoring the situation and have advised the pilot to divert the flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi with abundant precaution.”

“The Captain is following all required emergency procedures for a safe landing in Delhi and the estimated time of arrival is approximately 14:00 hrs. Akasa Air will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the local authorities. The Akasa Air teams are on the ground and prepared to assist all passengers to ensure their safety and comfort,” he added.

All passengers safe: IndiGo

Responding to the development, an IndiGo spokesperson said, “Flight 6E 651, operating from Mumbai to Delhi, was redirected to Ahmedabad due to a security-related alert. The aircraft was isolated, and all passengers were safely disembarked. Ensuring the safety and security of our customers and crew remains paramount in all facets of our operations.”

Indian Airlines Receive Bomb Threat

Nearly 10 Indian airlines remained grounded in the past two days due to hoax bomb threats.

• Air India Express Jaipur-Ayodhya: A bomb threat was received on social media. The flight landed as per its routine schedule at Ayodhya Airport, where standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being followed.
• Akasa Air Flight QP 1373 (Bagdogra to Bengaluru): Received a security alert on board. The aircraft landed safely in Bengaluru at 13:39 hrs, with all passengers deplaned and necessary safety checks completed. Passengers exited the terminal at 16:30 hrs.
• Air India International Flight AI 127 (New Delhi to Chicago): Received a threat, resulting in a diversion to Iqaluit International Airport (CYFB) in Canada.
• Air India Express AIX 685 (Madurai to Singapore): Received a threat on October 15, 2024.
• SpiceJet Flight SG 116 (Darbhanga to Mumbai): Mumbai ATC informed the crew of a bomb threat conveyed through a tweet. The aircraft landed safely in Mumbai and was taken to an isolation bay. After security checks, it was cleared for operations.
• IndiGo Flight 6E 98 (Dammam to Lucknow): Was redirected to Jaipur due to a security alert, and passengers were safely disembarked while checks were conducted.
• Air India Flight AI119 (Mumbai to JFK): Diverted to Delhi following a specific security alert. Passengers disembarked at Delhi Airport.
• IndiGo Flight 6E 56 (Mumbai to Jeddah): Received a bomb threat and was taken to an isolated bay for security checks as per protocol.
• IndiGo Flight 6E 1275 (Mumbai to Muscat): Also received a bomb threat and was handled with similar isolation and security checks.
• Alliance Air flight 9I650 from Amritsar to Dehradun was also affected due to a bomb threat.