An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was diverted to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday due to a bomb threat. The flight departed around 2 am and was redirected to Delhi as a precautionary measure.
The aircraft is now grounded at the airport, and authorities are following all standard safety procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Further investigations are likely ongoing.
“The aircraft is currently stationed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, and all standard safety protocols are being diligently followed to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew on board,” a senior police officer told PTI.
Sources revealed that Mumbai airport received a bomb threat message on X (formerly Twitter) concerning a flight bound for New York. The information was promptly relayed to security agencies in Delhi, leading to the decision to divert the aircraft to Indira Gandhi International Airport.
An Air India spokesperson said, “Flight AI119 operating from Mumbai to JFK on October 14 received a specific security alert and was diverted to Delhi following instructions from the government’s security regulatory committee.”
“All passengers have disembarked and are at the Delhi airport terminal. Our colleagues on the ground are making sure to minimise the inconvenience caused to our guests by this unexpected disruption. Air India is committed to and accords top priority to the safety and security of its passengers and crew.”
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Trichy mid-air Air India glitch
The incident occurred just days after an Air India Express flight from Tiruchirappalli to Sharjah faced a mid-air technical issue shortly after takeoff on Friday. The aircraft was forced to circle in the sky multiple times to burn off fuel and reduce weight before safely landing.
The airline reported that the aircraft encountered a hydraulic system issue related to the landing gear shortly after departure. Thanks to the swift actions of the pilots, a potential mid-air disaster was averted, saving the lives of approximately 141 passengers. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin praised the pilots and crew for ensuring a safe landing.
An Air India Express spokesperson stated, “After reporting a technical snag, the aircraft circled multiple times in the designated area as a precaution to reduce fuel and weight, considering the runway length, before making a safe precautionary landing.”
“The cause of the snag will be duly investigated. In the interim, an alternative aircraft will be arranged for our guests’ onward journey. We regret the inconvenience and reiterate our commitment to prioritising safety in every aspect of our operations.”
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