Bomb Threats Ground Multiple Indian Flights, Sparking Heightened Security Measures

By Ivan PetrenkoOct 17, 2024 02:30 AMNews
Share:
white and blue passenger plane on airport during daytime
white and blue passenger plane on airport during daytime. Source: unsplash

In the past two days, Indian airlines have been targeted by an alarming surge of bomb threats, disrupting several domestic and international flights. While bomb threats to Indian carriers are not uncommon and are often hoaxes, the scale and frequency of the recent incidents have prompted serious responses from authorities. The country’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has convened a high-level meeting to identify the sources behind these threats, some of which led to flight diversions and military escorts.

A Day of Chaos for Indian Aviation

Tuesday saw a series of bomb threats across several airlines, causing confusion and forcing airlines to implement heightened security protocols. Just days after an Air India Boeing 777 bound for New York was diverted to New Delhi due to a bomb threat, another Air India flight to Chicago had to be rerouted to Iqaluit, Canada, following a similar threat. Passengers were assisted by airport agencies after the emergency landing.

In another incident, an Air India Express flight en route to Singapore faced a bomb threat, activating Singapore’s Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) system. The plane was escorted to a safe area at Changi Airport, where law enforcement and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams took control of the situation.

Threats Affect Major Airlines

Tuesday's chaos extended to several other major Indian airlines, including Akasa Air, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. In total, seven confirmed bomb threats were reported, affecting the following flights:

  • Air India Delhi-Chicago
  • Air India Express Jaipur-Ayodhya
  • IndiGo Dammam-Lucknow
  • IndiGo Bengaluru-Dehradun (diverted to Chandigarh)
  • Akasa Air Bagdogra-Bengaluru
  • Air India Express Madurai-Singapore
  • SpiceJet Darbhanga-Mumbai

Some sources indicate that as many as ten threats were received, causing significant disruption to airline operations and inconvenience to passengers.

Aviation Ministry's Response

Given the severity of the situation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has called for a high-level meeting with security agencies. Bomb threats were reportedly received via social media and email, with some originating from offshore locations, including London. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has already suspended several accounts linked to the threats.

With the aviation industry on high alert, authorities are working to trace the sources of these threats and strengthen protocols to ensure passenger safety.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Qatar Airways aircraft in flight against blue sky

Qatar Airways Boosts Winter Flights to Key Global Destinations

Jul 30, 2025 19:22 PM
ScotRail train at an empty station platform

ScotRail Boosts Late-Night Services to Ease Travel During Edinburgh Festivals

Jul 30, 2025 07:38 AM

Two Tickets in One Click: JetBlue and United Simplify Complex Routes

Jul 29, 2025 23:43 PM

Florø Prepares to Expand Accommodation Options for Visitors

Jul 29, 2025 21:36 PM
Southwest Airlines aircraft ascending with snowy mountains in the background

Southwest Changes Boarding Rules and Adds New Winter Destinations for 2026

Jul 29, 2025 19:28 PM
Modern hotel room with double bed, armchair, and wall art

Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa to Open in Town Center, Bringing New Stay Option to Anjuna

Jul 29, 2025 17:42 PM
Woman checking travel information on her phone during a flight

Philippine Airlines Introduces Pre-Flight Emails with Essential Travel Details

Jul 29, 2025 02:35 AM
Railway workers performing track maintenance during engineering works

Weekend Engineering Works to Affect Rail Access Between Stalybridge and Dewsbury

Jul 28, 2025 23:25 PM
View of South African Airways wing over landscape during flight

New Non-Stop Route from Cape Town Opens Up Mauritius for Travelers

Jul 28, 2025 21:32 PM

East Midlands Railway Cuts Fares on Summer Routes Across UK

Jul 28, 2025 20:47 PM

New Ryanair System Changes How Travellers Book Through Agencies

Jul 28, 2025 16:26 PM
Modern hotel room with large window and city view

Holiday Inn Express Brings Overnight Option to Changanassery’s Lively Local Streets

Jul 28, 2025 14:33 PM
American Airlines aircraft preparing for departure on the runway

Denver Departure Chaos: American Airlines Flight Evacuated After Smoke Alert

Jul 27, 2025 23:54 PM
View from airplane window showing coastline and river below during flight over Borneo

Malaysia and Indonesia Open New Direct Air Routes to Simplify Travel to Borneo

Jul 27, 2025 20:31 PM
Train navigating complex rail junction under overhead infrastructure

Rail Disruptions in Liguria: RFI Construction Projects Will Impact August Travel

Jul 26, 2025 23:41 PM

New daily Condor flights reshape the flight map of Europe

Jul 26, 2025 21:37 PM

Gdańsk Opens New Direct Route to Agadir, Simplifying Travel to Morocco’s Coast

Jul 26, 2025 20:26 PM
China Airlines Airbus in flight with clear sky background

New Direct Flights Connect Taipei and Phoenix, Expanding Access to Southwest U.S. Destinations

Jul 26, 2025 19:43 PM
Rail maintenance machinery working on tracks in South Wales

South Wales Rail Upgrades to Impact Travel Access in Early August

Jul 26, 2025 18:39 PM
easyJet aircraft on airport tarmac with boarding stairs

Euro Final in the Sky: easyJet to Announce Scores to Passengers During Flights

Jul 25, 2025 23:27 PM
Multiple railway tracks with red signal and overhead wires

Expect Delays: Leicester–Peterborough Line Closed 2 and 3 August

Jul 25, 2025 21:34 PM
Steam train crossing a historic stone viaduct through misty hills

Steam-Powered Day Trips from London Unlock Access to Britain’s Hidden Landscapes

Jul 25, 2025 20:42 PM

New Air Partnership Opens More Direct Travel Routes Between North America and Africa

Jul 25, 2025 15:28 PM

New Wizz Air Flights Open Southern Europe to Gdańsk Travellers

Jul 25, 2025 10:35 AM
Railway workers performing maintenance on stacked rail tracks

Verona and Vicenza Rail Line Closed in August Affecting Travel Plans

Jul 25, 2025 01:48 AM
Stylish hotel bed with modern cushions and lamps on both sides

Budapest Welcomes Radisson Collection Hotel Near Key City Attraction

Jul 24, 2025 15:32 PM