Bomb Threats to 5 Indigo Planes: Emergency Landings Conducted; Earlier Threats Reported on Delhi-London and Dubai-Jaipur Flights

Bomb threat calls to airlines are on the rise, with five Indigo planes receiving fresh threats today. Emergency landings are being carried out for all affected flights. So far, three flights have safely landed at Delhi Airport. A total of seven bomb threat calls have been reported, with five Indigo flights specifically targeted.

During the festive season, bomb threats to flights have become alarmingly frequent. Since Monday, over 70 flights have been threatened with bomb scares. This morning, Air India Express and Vistara Airlines also received bomb threats. 

Air India Express flight IX-196, traveling from Dubai to Jaipur, received a bomb threat late Friday night. In response, the flight made an emergency landing in Jaipur. Air India Express reported on Saturday morning that the flight had safely landed at 1:40 AM.

Emergency Landings After Bomb Threats: Authorities on High Alert

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is closely monitoring all bomb threat calls. There is constant internal communication and exchange of information between ministries and departments. Today, an international flight received a bomb threat. 

Air India Express flight IX-196, traveling from Dubai to Jaipur with 189 passengers on board, was forced to make an emergency landing. All passengers were safely evacuated, and the flight was thoroughly inspected as per emergency protocols. Security officials found nothing suspicious. Police are now investigating the person responsible for the false bomb threat.

Earlier, late on Friday night, Vistara flight UK-17, en route from Delhi to London, was also threatened with a bomb attack. This threat was made via social media. Following the alert, the flight was diverted to Frankfurt, where a two-and-a-half-hour inspection was conducted. Security officials found nothing suspicious on board.

The airline stated that, following the threat, all relevant authorities were immediately informed, and the pilot made the decision to divert the flight to Frankfurt. Security officials there conducted a thorough search, but nothing suspicious was found. 

This marks the 23rd bomb threat to Indian airlines within the past week. Amid these repeated threats, the central government decided on October 16 to double the number of air marshals on flights. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs has requested a report from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Indigo Issues Statement on Bomb Threats

Indigo Airlines has released a statement regarding the recent bomb threats, stating, “We are aware of the situation involving flight 6E17 traveling from Mumbai to Istanbul. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. 

We are working closely with the relevant authorities, and all necessary precautions are being taken as per the guidelines.” Indigo also issued a similar statement for flight 6E11, emphasizing their commitment to safety and collaboration with the authorities.

Ministry of Aviation Identifies Suspects Behind Threat Messages

On October 16, the Ministry of Aviation informed a parliamentary committee about the actions being taken regarding the bomb threat messages sent to airlines. The ministry confirmed that the suspects have been identified and appropriate actions are underway. They also mentioned that further information is being gathered, and several such cases are being actively pursued.

According to media reports, all cyber units have been instructed to track the threatening social media accounts. Many of these accounts are reportedly being operated from foreign locations.

A Series of Bomb Threats on Flights: A Chronological Account

October 17: Bomb Threat on Frankfurt-Mumbai Vistara Flight

Vistara flight UK 028, traveling from Frankfurt to Mumbai, was forced to make an emergency landing in Mumbai due to a bomb threat made on social media. The threat was communicated to the crew while the plane was flying over Pakistani airspace.

October 16: Bomb Threats on Seven Indian Airlines Flights

Seven Indian airline flights, including four Indigo, two SpiceJet, and one Akasa flight, received bomb threats. Upon investigation, all threats were found to be hoaxes. However, security at all airports was heightened as a precaution.

October 15: False Bomb Threats Target Multiple Flights

Seven flights received bomb threats on this day, including Air India’s Delhi-to-Chicago flight. The flight was diverted to Canada and landed at Iqaluit Airport. Passengers and their luggage were thoroughly inspected, but nothing suspicious was found.

October 9: Threatening Message Found on Tissue Paper in London-Delhi Flight

Chaos ensued when a bomb threat was discovered on tissue paper in the lavatory of Vistara flight UK18, traveling from London to Delhi. About three and a half hours before landing, a passenger found the threatening message and alerted the crew, triggering an immediate response.