An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was diverted to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday after the airline received a bomb threat, according to news agency PTI.
The flight, which took off at around 2 a.m., was promptly rerouted to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, where it is still grounded.
All regular safety processes are being followed to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew.
“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,” according to a high-ranking police official.
According to the sources, Mumbai airport received a message on X (formerly Twitter) regarding a bomb threat in the flight bound to New York. The message was conveyed to security agencies in Delhi and the call was taken to divert the aircraft to Delhi.
The Air India Spokesperson released a statement, saying “Flight AI119 operating Mumbai to JFK on October 14 received a specific security alert and on instructions of the government’s security regulatory committee was diverted to Delhi.
“All passengers have disembarked and are at the Delhi airport terminal. Our colleagues on ground are making sure to minimize 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.”
Trichy mid-air flight glitch
The incident occurred just days after an Air India Express Sharjah-bound aircraft from Tiruchirappalli encountered a mid-air technical malfunction shortly after departure on Friday, forcing the plane to circle many times in the sky to reduce fuel and weight before safely landing.
According to the airlines, the aircraft encountered a failure with its hydraulic systems and landing gear shortly after takeoff.
The pilots’ fast thinking prevented an unforeseen disaster in the air, saving the lives of about 141 passengers. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin praised the airship’s pilots and crew for a safe landing.
An Air India Express spokesperson said, “After reporting a technical snag, the aircraft circled multiple times in the designated area as an abundant 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 is being arranged for the onward journey of our guests. We regret the inconvenience and reiterate our commitment to prioritizing safety in every aspect of our operations.”
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Source: HT
