An Akasa Air flight traveling from Delhi to Bengaluru was forced to return to Indira Gandhi International Airport on Wednesday after a bomb threat was reported, prompting an emergency declaration. The flight, designated QP 1335, was carrying 184 individuals, including 174 passengers, three infants, and seven crew members.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, an official statement from Akasa Air confirmed that the flight had been diverted back to Delhi due to the heightened security alert. The spokesperson for the airline stated that all necessary emergency procedures were being followed, and the aircraft was expected to land in the capital around 2:00 p.m.
This incident occurred just two days after another flight faced a bomb threat. An Air India flight operating from Mumbai to New York was diverted to Delhi following a similar security concern, triggered by a bomb threat message received via X (formerly Twitter). Security agencies acted swiftly, leading to the decision to reroute the aircraft to ensure the safety of all aboard.
In addition, on Monday, two IndiGo flights departing from Mumbai to different Middle Eastern destinations also received bomb threats. One flight was bound for Muscat, while the other was headed to Jeddah. Both aircraft were promptly moved to isolation bays at Mumbai Airport for thorough security inspections.
IndiGo Airlines acknowledged the bomb threats to flights 6E 1275 to Muscat and 6E 56 to Jeddah, and followed standard operating procedures by relocating the planes to secure areas and initiating mandatory security protocols. Passengers were provided assistance and refreshments during the security checks, and the airline expressed regret for the inconvenience, emphasizing that the safety of their passengers remained their highest priority.
As concerns about aviation security grow, these incidents underscore the critical need for heightened vigilance and rapid response measures to ensure the safety of air travel. The Akasa Air incident, alongside recent threats faced by other airlines, highlights the ongoing challenges within the aviation sector regarding security protocols and passenger safety.
