September 7, 2024 – Vistara Airlines has confirmed it is sending a substitute aircraft along with a fresh crew to Erzurum Airport in Turkey after its Mumbai-Frankfurt flight (UK 27) was diverted due to an alleged bomb threat. The alternate aircraft is expected to arrive by 12:25 PM (local time) and will depart for Frankfurt by 2:30 PM (local time), ensuring that all passengers reach their destination after a tense 24-hour ordeal.
Incident Summary
Flight UK 27, a Dreamliner 787-9, departed from Mumbai on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 1:01 PM, slightly delayed from its original schedule. The flight, which was expected to arrive in Frankfurt, Germany at 5:30 PM (local time), was unexpectedly diverted mid-journey after a note was discovered onboard, claiming there was a bomb on the aircraft.
The Vistara crew immediately notified authorities, and the plane was rerouted to Erzurum Airport in Turkey, where it made a safe emergency landing at 7:05 PM (local time). Onboard the flight were 247 passengers and crew, according to an AP report.
Vistara’s Response
In response to the emergency, Vistara Airlines coordinated with Turkish authorities to conduct thorough security checks. The airline issued a statement confirming that all passengers, crew, and the aircraft had been cleared by local security agencies, assuring the public that the situation was under control.
Given that the original crew had exceeded their duty time limitations, Vistara arranged for a substitute aircraft and a fresh set of crew members. In its latest statement on X (formerly Twitter), Vistara explained the details of the substitute flight schedule, highlighting that efforts were being made to ensure minimal disruption for passengers.
Passenger Assistance
While the aircraft and crew underwent checks, Vistara provided refreshments and meals to stranded passengers at the Turkish airport, trying to alleviate the inconvenience caused by the delay. The airline assured that all passengers would soon resume their journey and apologized for the unexpected delay.
Background
This incident marks a significant security scare for Vistara Airlines, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. The airline has been known for its strong operational standards, and this incident is being treated with utmost seriousness by both Vistara and Turkish security agencies.
This diversion follows global concerns regarding aviation security, with airlines increasingly alert to potential threats onboard. Authorities will likely continue their investigation into the source of the bomb threat, while Vistara is expected to conduct an internal review of the incident to prevent future occurrences.
Key Timeline of Events:
- September 6, 2024 (1:01 PM): Flight UK 27 departs Mumbai for Frankfurt after a slight delay.
- September 6, 2024 (approx. 7:00 PM): The flight is diverted to Erzurum Airport in Turkey after a bomb threat is discovered on board.
- September 6, 2024 (7:05 PM): The flight makes a safe emergency landing in Turkey.
- September 7, 2024 (12:25 PM): Vistara’s substitute aircraft is expected to arrive at Erzurum Airport.
- September 7, 2024 (2:30 PM): The substitute flight is scheduled to depart for Frankfurt with all passengers and crew.
As the investigation unfolds, Vistara continues to ensure that passenger safety remains its top priority. Further updates from security agencies are awaited as the passengers prepare to resume their journey.
