GURUGRAM- An Air India (AI) flight AI471 from New Delhi (DEL) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ) received a bomb threat late Tuesday (September 3, 2024) night, prompting heightened security measures and thorough inspection upon landing.
Visakhapatnam Airport Director S Raja Reddy confirmed that the threat was ultimately determined to be a hoax after rigorous scrutiny.
Air India Hoax Bomb Threat
The Delhi Police initially received the bomb threat call and promptly alerted both Air India and Visakhapatnam airport authorities. This swift communication enabled airport officials to prepare for the flight’s arrival and implement necessary security protocols.
The flight, carrying 107 passengers, landed safely at Visakhapatnam airport despite the tense circumstances. Airport security teams immediately initiated a comprehensive search of the aircraft upon its arrival.
Authorities instructed all passengers to disembark from the plane to facilitate a meticulous inspection. Security personnel conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft, its cargo, and passenger belongings. After an extensive search, officials confirmed that no suspicious items or explosives were found on board.
Reddy emphasized the false nature of the threat, stating, “It (flight) landed safely and on thoroughly checking the flight, it was found to be a false call.” This conclusion brought relief to passengers, crew, and airport staff involved in the incident.
Following the all-clear declaration, airport operations began returning to normal. The airport director announced that boarding for the return flight to Delhi had commenced.
The aircraft involved in the incident is Airbus A320-200, registered as VT-EDC. It is a 14.6-year-old aircraft.
This return flight was scheduled to depart around 12:30 am local time (IST) today September 4, 2024, indicating a relatively minor delay considering the circumstances.
Similar Incident
Earlier this month, actually two days back, an IndiGo Airlines (6E) flight 6E7308 from Jabalpur (JLR) to Hyderabad (HYD) diverted to Nagpur (NAG) on Sunday following a bomb threat.
The airline confirmed the incident, assuring that all passengers on board remained safe throughout the ordeal.
Flight 6E 7308 operated by ATR72 aircraft, registered as VT-IRL landed safely in Nagpur after receiving the threat. Upon arrival, authorities immediately initiated emergency protocols. All passengers were swiftly evacuated from the aircraft as a precautionary measure.
IndiGo’s official statement detailed the sequence of events, emphasizing their prompt response to the situation. The airline reported that mandatory security checks commenced immediately after the plane touched down in Nagpur.
During the unexpected layover, IndiGo provided assistance and refreshments to the affected passengers.
A thorough search operation of the aircraft and its contents was launched following the evacuation.
Furthermore, on June 2, 2024, a Vistara Airlines (UK) flight from Paris (CDG) to Mumbai (BOM) received a bomb threat.
Similarly, on June 1, 2024, IndiGo flight 6E5314 from Chennai (MAA) to Mumbai (BOM) received a bomb threat.
On May 28, 2024, an IndiGo Airlines flight from Delhi (DEL) to Varanasi (VNS) was evacuated via emergency slides at Delhi airport following a bomb threat.
What are your thoughts on the rise in hoax Bomb Threats? What should civil aviation authorities do to reduce its occurrences? Let us know in the comments.
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