Bomb threats were received on three flights and a train from Mumbai on Monday, leading to grounded flights and a train halt for thorough security checks. All passengers were safely evacuated.
Three flights and a train from Mumbai received separate bomb threats Monday morning. An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York, an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Muscat in Oman and another to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia received bomb threats. A bomb threat was also received on the Mumbai-Howrah mail.
The Air India flight carrying 239 passengers was diverted to New Delhi, where it landed safely. A spokesperson of the airline later confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safe.
Sources with the Delhi Police said the bomb threat was received via a post on X. The message was conveyed to security agencies in Delhi and the call was taken to divert the aircraft to Delhi.
The Delhi Police confirmed that the aircraft was stationed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, and all standard safety protocols were being diligently followed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew on board.
All security agencies at the airport were on alert.
In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said, “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 minimise 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.”
Another statement by Air India read, “We confirm that all 239 passengers and 19 crew have disembarked and are currently undergoing security procedures. Refreshments have been provided to the passengers. Guests will be moved to hotels once security protocols are completed. The flight has been rescheduled to the morning of October 15. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all passengers.”
BOMB THREATS ON INDIGO FLIGHTS
Following the threat received by the two IndiGo aircraft, both planes were moved to an isolation bay as part of the security measures.
Confirming the threat messages, a spokesperson for IndiGo Airlines said, “IndiGo flight 6E 1275 operating from Mumbai to Muscat and IndiGo flight 6E 56 operating from Mumbai to Jeddah had received a bomb threat.”
“As per protocol, the aircraft were taken to an isolated bay, and following the standard operating procedure, mandatory security checks were promptly initiated. Customers were provided with assistance and refreshments, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience caused,” the spokesperson added.
BOMB THREAT ON MUMBAI-HOWRAH MAIL
A bomb threat call was also received on a train from Mumbai to Howrah in the wee hours of Monday.
According to a statement by the Chief Public Relations Officer (CRPO), Central Railways, a threat call was received on train number 12809 at nearly 4 am today.
The train was halted at the Jalgaon Railway Station in Maharashtra and was thoroughly checked.
It departed to its destination after the authorities found nothing.
