
New Delhi: In what has been dubbed as a ‘Stormy Saturday’ for Indian airlines, over 30 flights were subjected to bomb threats on October 19, causing widespread panic and disruptions. Multiple airlines, including Vistara, Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air, were impacted by these threats. According to reports, a total of 38 flights received bomb threats over the past week via social media posts, marking a concerning rise in such incidents.
Specific Flights Targeted on October 19
Among the targeted flights were several high-profile routes, including IndiGo’s flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul, and a Jodhpur to Delhi route. Vistara also reported a security scare on its Udaipur to Mumbai flight, which was taken to an isolation bay for inspections upon landing at Mumbai Airport. Additionally, three international flights that departed from Delhi—bound for Paris, Hong Kong, and London—also faced bomb threats.
IndiGo acknowledged the threats through two public statements regarding its flights 6E 17 (Mumbai to Istanbul) and 6E 11 (Delhi to Istanbul). The airline, along with security agencies, took immediate precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety.
October 19 Timeline: A Day of Disturbances
- Morning (October 19): Bomb threats began surfacing early in the day, affecting over 20 flights within hours. IndiGo’s Hyderabad to Chandigarh flight and Jodhpur to Delhi flight both received security alerts. Flight 6E 184 from Jodhpur safely landed in Delhi, where passengers were disembarked, and the aircraft was thoroughly inspected.
- Afternoon (October 19): Vistara’s flight UK 624, operating from Udaipur to Mumbai, also received a bomb threat shortly before landing. Upon arrival in Mumbai, the plane was taken to an isolated area, where it underwent mandatory security checks.
- Evening (October 19): The number of bomb threats climbed as more flights came under scrutiny, creating chaos for airlines and passengers alike. Vistara confirmed that three of its international flights had received similar threats, including its Delhi-London flight, which was diverted to Frankfurt as a precautionary measure.
Bomb Threat Hoaxes: A Recurring Issue
While all the bomb threats were later declared hoaxes, the rising number of such incidents is concerning. In recent days alone, over 40 flights from Indian carriers have been impacted by bomb threats. The security measures taken include diverting flights, emergency landings, and thorough inspections of the aircraft, causing major delays and distress among passengers.
Airlines Respond with Enhanced Security Measures
Airlines have been coordinating with security agencies to address the situation and follow standard procedures during such threats. IndiGo, Vistara, and other carriers have been implementing additional safety measures and ensuring that all flights are cleared before takeoff.
Security agencies are investigating the origins of these threats, most of which were circulated via social media platforms. Authorities are working to prevent future hoaxes and minimize the impact of these threats on flight operations.
As these incidents continue to unfold, the aviation sector is on high alert, taking all necessary steps to safeguard passengers and crew while maintaining strict adherence to security protocols.