Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Multiple bomb threats disrupted air and rail travel on Monday, triggering diversions from initial routes and heightened security measures. A New York-bound Air India flight, IndiGo flights to Jeddah and Muscat, and the Mumbai-Howrah Mail train were all impacted by a series of bomb threats, leading to emergency responses.
Air India flight to New York diverted to Delhi
An Air India flight (AI119) carrying 239 passengers from Mumbai to New York was diverted to Delhi after a bomb threat was reported.Officials said that the aircraft made an emergency landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where all passengers were safely evacuated.
“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 overseeing the situation said.
The bomb threat, reportedly received through a tweet, is under investigation. Authorities are conducting a thorough search of the aircraft to ensure no danger remains.
In a statement, Air India confirmed the diversion, citing a “specific security alert” issued by 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,” the airline said.
Read full story: New York-bound Air India flight diverted to Delhi after bomb threat
IndiGo flight to Jeddah receives bomb threat
In a separate incident, an IndiGo flight (6E 56) from Mumbai to Jeddah and IndiGo flight 6E 1275 operating from Mumbai to Muscat also received a bomb threats. The flights were moved to an isolated bay, where security checks were promptly conducted.
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed that all necessary procedures were being followed to ensure passenger safety.
IndiGo flight 6E1275 for Muscat was scheduled to depart at 2 am, it finally left at 9 am and is expected to land at its destination at 9:45 am, local time.
IndiGo flight 6E57 was to depart at 2:05 am is still on ground.
Read full story: IndiGo flights receive bomb threat, aircraft taken to isolated bay
Bomb scare on Mumbai-Howrah train
Adding to the tense day, the Mumbai-Howrah Mail (train number 12809) received a bomb threat early Monday morning, warning of a timer bomb onboard. The train was halted at Jalgaon station around 4:00 am, where it underwent a thorough security inspection. No suspicious objects were found, and the train continued its journey.
Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer confirmed the incident, adding that the authorities handled the situation to avoid any potential danger.
