An Air India Express flight traveling from Kuwait to Hyderabad was forced to make an emergency diversion to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday following a serious bomb threat. The swift action by the flight crew and security agencies ensured the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
Emergency Diversion and Security Response
The aircraft, identified as Air India Express flight IX-274, departed from Kuwait International Airport and was en route to its final destination, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. Mid-flight, the airline's security team received alarming information about a potential bomb threat targeting the plane. In accordance with strict security protocols, the pilots immediately decided to divert the aircraft to the nearest major airport equipped to handle such a high-risk situation.
The flight safely landed at Mumbai airport at approximately 2:50 PM on Tuesday, March 26. Upon landing, the aircraft was directed to an isolated bay, away from the main terminal and other operational areas, as a standard precautionary measure. A full-scale security drill was swiftly activated.
Passenger Safety and Investigation Details
All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft following the emergency landing. Officials from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Mumbai Police, and other security agencies immediately cordoned off the area and began a thorough sweep of the aircraft. Bomb detection and disposal squads were deployed to inspect the plane meticulously.
After a comprehensive search that lasted for several hours, security personnel declared the aircraft safe and found no suspicious items. The threat was deemed a hoax, but authorities are treating the incident with utmost seriousness. An investigation has been launched to trace the origin of the threatening message and identify those responsible for creating panic and disrupting flight operations.
Operational Impact and Passenger Care
The diversion and subsequent security checks caused significant disruption to the flight schedule. The passengers, who endured a lengthy and stressful ordeal, were attended to by airline staff. Air India Express made arrangements for their comfort and is working on alternate travel plans to get them to Hyderabad.
This incident highlights the robust security protocols followed by Indian aviation authorities and airlines. The coordinated response between the airline's security, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and multiple ground security agencies ensured that the threat was neutralized without any harm to individuals. Such protocols are designed to prioritize passenger safety above all else, even if the threat later proves to be non-credible.
Authorities have reiterated that making false bomb threats is a serious criminal offence that carries severe penalties under Indian law. The investigation will leverage technical expertise to track the source of the threat. This event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by aviation security and the importance of remaining vigilant against all forms of threats, whether real or malicious pranks.
