Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, reassuring the public over the hoax bomb threats to airlines, said that there is nothing to fear. Over 170 flights have received bomb threats in the past nine days, mostly originating on social media platforms.
Naidu said, “I wouldn’t make any hasty decision on this. Let us wait for the thorough investigation to happen. Once we get hold of who is behind this, only then can we tell if there is a conspiracy or if there is some intention regarding the festive season or trying to affect the airlines.”
Following a security threat posted online, an Air India Flight from Delhi to Chicago made an emergency landing at the Iqaluit Airport in Canada recently that is Tuesday, October 15th, 2024.
Notably, Flight AI127 diverted from its route as a precautionary measure for the passenger’s safety. In a recent statement issued by the Air India airline, it noted, “Flight AI127 operating from Delhi to Chicago on October 15, 2024, was the subject of a security threat posted online, and as a precautionary measure, had landed at Iqaluit Airport in Canada.
The aircraft and passengers are being re-screened as per the laid down security protocol.”
According to Air India, many other Indian Airlines have received such threats several times in recent days.
About 211 passengers and crew members were stranded from the aircraft around 5:20 am and were relocated to Iqaluit International Airport, Iqaluit, Canada. The flight attendees were expected to stay at the airport overnight and were served with meals.
The Federal officials said that they would consider military resources to send the stranded passengers to Chicago.
Canada Initiates Progress
“Though all have subsequently been found to be hoaxes, as a responsible airline operator, all threats are taken seriously,” the Airline added.
Meanwhile, Harjit Sajjan, the Minister of Emergency and Preparedness in Canada in his recent posts on X (formerly Twitter) said, “Despite great efforts, the city of Iqaluit is not equipped to house these passengers. After consultation with Transport Minister Anita Anand and my role as Minister of Emergency Preparedness, I have approved to ease the pressure on Iqaluit and send passengers safely to their destination in Chicago.”
The Air India airlines have extended their gratitude to the Canadian Airlines and Iqaluit airport for their support and assistance. “We thank the Canadian authorities and Iqaluit airport for the support and assistance extended to passengers and Air India during this unexpected disruption.”
Recent Bomb Threats Received by Airlines
Additionally, these threats have affected multiple airlines including Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. While most of these threats were declared hoaxes but led to emergency landings and heightened security measures.
In the wake of this incident, a Riyadh-bound IndiGo flight was also diverted to Muscat due to a bomb threat.
Authorities are closely investigating these incidents and have taken serious measures to enhance security at airports and on flights.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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