In a disturbing trend that has unfolded over the past three days, Akasa Air and IndiGo flights have been subjected to bomb threats, marking the twelfth incident in this brief period. On Wednesday, a Bengaluru-bound Akasa Air flight and a Delhi-Mumbai IndiGo flight both received hoax bomb threats, forcing emergency responses from the respective airlines.
The Akasa Air flight, designated QP1335, was scheduled to fly from Delhi to Bengaluru. After taking off with 184 passengers on board, the aircraft had to make an emergency return to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The alert was raised at approximately 1:15 PM, prompting immediate action from the flight crew and emergency response teams. The flight landed safely at 1:48 PM, and passengers were deplaned by 1:57 PM in a controlled manner, ensuring their safety throughout the process. Akasa Air’s spokesperson stated, “The captain followed all required emergency procedures and coordinated closely with local authorities to ensure that safety protocols were meticulously followed.” Following the emergency landing, the aircraft was taken to an isolation bay, where thorough safety and security checks were conducted.
Previously, on Tuesday, an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Delhi was diverted to Ahmedabad after receiving a bomb threat communicated via social media. Carrying nearly 200 passengers and crew, this flight was also confirmed to be a victim of a hoax. In an alarming escalation, ten flights have faced similar threats within just 48 hours. Among them were a Delhi-Chicago Air India flight, a Jaipur-Bengaluru Air India Express, and several other domestic and international routes. On Monday alone, multiple IndiGo flights, including those headed to New York and Jeddah, reported bomb threats that turned out to be false alarms. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is collaborating with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to track down the individuals responsible for these threats. In the wake of these incidents, airlines reinforce their security protocols and emergency response strategies to ensure passenger safety and confidence.
Passengers affected by these incidents have received support from their airlines, which have provided refreshments and updates throughout the emergency procedures. Akasa Air reassured travelers that their teams were prepared to assist with any needs arising from the situation, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring passenger comfort and safety. As the investigation into these hoax threats continues, passengers must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The recent spate of bomb threats underscores the pressing need for enhanced security measures in the aviation sector to safeguard both travelers and crew members against such alarming disruptions.