Bomb Scares Disrupt Over 20 Flights; Vistara, IndiGo, Air India, And Akasa Air On High Alert

A tense atmosphere gripped India’s aviation sector on October 20, as over 20 flights across multiple airlines received alarming bomb threats on social media. Passengers and crew members on Vistara, IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air flights found themselves in the middle of emergency security checks as authorities scrambled to ensure safety.

Over 20 Flights Receive Bomb Threats In A Single Day

#DiversionUpdate: Flight UK25 from Delhi to Frankfurt (DEL-FRA) is returning back to Delhi (DEL) and is expected to arrive in Delhi (DEL) at 1620 hours. Please stay tuned for further updates.

— Vistara (@airvistara) October 20, 2024

Following new bomb threats on social media on October 20, more than 20 flights run by IndiGo, Vistara, Akasa Air, and Air India were cancelled. Consequently, several airports across the nation initiated emergency security checks. 

Six flights from every affected airline were targeted, according to reports from News 18. Flying from Delhi to Frankfurt (UK25), Singapore to Mumbai (UK106), and Bali to Delhi (UK146), among other flights, Vistara confirmed receiving threats. The flight that was supposed to land in Frankfurt had to return to Delhi as a precaution.

In response to the threat, Vistara confirmed receiving bomb threats for 6 flights and assured that they were taking all the necessary precautions. The airline also stated that its Frankfurt-bound flight is returning to Delhi. They also guaranteed that security protocols were being followed.

Following a recent meeting between airline CEOs and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Saturday, there has been a significant increase in bomb threats. During the previous week alone, at least 70 fictitious bomb threats were received by multiple flights. The News 18 reports state that on Saturday, more than thirty flights operated by significant carriers were also targeted.

Also Read: Indore To Welcome Its First Double-Decker Bus With 60-Passenger Capacity, Ready For Public After Trials

Emergency Protocols Activated Across Airlines

According to Akasa Air, threats were made on six of its flights, including those from Ahmedabad to Mumbai and Delhi to Goa. Flights operated by IndiGo, including 6E 58 and 6E 87 also encountered delays. An official statement from Akasa Air reportedly stated that all standard operating procedures were followed, including real-time situational monitoring, and that the airline’s Emergency Response team had been activated, reported News 18.

In order to reassure its customers, IndiGo said that the security and safety of both passengers and crew is their top priority. They are also closely collaborating with the appropriate authorities and taking all required safety precautions in accordance with the guidelines.

In addition, an email threat threatening an attack on a Chennai-Belagavi flight was sent to Karnataka’s Sambra Airport in Belagavi. To find the source of the threat, authorities have filed a formal complaint, and investigations are still underway.

As authorities continue to respond to these alarming incidents, the aviation sector remains on high alert.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva