Air India Flight Declares Emergency After Bomb Threat During Mumbai to London Trip
Mumbai, 17th October 2024: An Air India flight travelling from Mumbai to London declared an emergency after receiving a bomb threat. On the same day, five Air India flights, along with two Vistara and two IndiGo flights, also faced bomb threats, contributing to a growing number of such calls this week.
The aircraft was broadcasting the emergency code ‘squawking 7700’, which pilots use to alert air traffic control to a general emergency situation. Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 indicated that the Boeing 777, operated by Air India, took off at 7:05 am (IST) from Mumbai and circled over East England while declaring an emergency.
The AI129 flight announced the emergency approximately one hour before its scheduled landing at Heathrow Airport in London at 12:05 pm (UK time). According to recent updates from FlightRadar24, the aircraft has since landed safely at Heathrow and is no longer broadcasting the emergency signal.
The series of bomb threats has persisted for four consecutive days, affecting at least 20 flights during this period. Confirming the incidents, an Air India representative stated, “Five Air India flights received security threats via social media today. Regulatory authorities have been notified, and all established procedures have been rigorously followed. All five flights have landed safely. Air India prioritizes the safety of its passengers and crew above all else.”
In a related incident, a Vistara flight arriving from Frankfurt with 147 passengers was subjected to immediate security checks after receiving a bomb threat. A Vistara spokesperson explained, “On October 16, 2024, Vistara flight UK 028 from Frankfurt to Mumbai faced a security threat communicated via social media. In line with protocol, all relevant authorities were promptly informed. The aircraft landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, and was directed to an isolation bay for mandatory security checks. The safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft are our highest priority.”
Similarly, an IndiGo flight travelling from Istanbul to Mumbai also received a bomb threat upon arrival and was taken to an isolation area for a thorough security check. IndiGo issued a statement saying, “Flight 6E 18, coming from Istanbul to Mumbai, received a security alert. After landing, the aircraft was isolated, and all passengers were safely disembarked.” The airline confirmed its cooperation with the authorities while adhering to standard operating procedures.
In response to these alarming incidents, sources informed NDTV that the Centre and civil authorities are collaborating to manage the crisis effectively. The Home Ministry has instructed the Civil Aviation Ministry to provide a detailed report on the threats. Airlines have been asked to submit their insights on these incidents, which will aid the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in compiling a comprehensive report.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee convened yesterday regarding the matter, following a meeting led by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu with officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to maintaining the highest security standards, with passenger safety as our utmost priority,” stated Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.
Several measures are being planned to address such crises in the future. Those responsible for posting bomb threats may be added to an ‘Unruly Passengers’ list, with airlines suggesting a five-year flying ban for offenders. It is also proposed that airlines recover financial losses incurred due to false bomb threats from the culprits.
The names of individuals behind hoax calls will be shared with airlines and security agencies, with the Civil Aviation Ministry expected to issue new guidelines soon. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to remain vigilant at airports.
