Hoax Bomb Threats Hits Airlines: Air India Flight Diverted to Canada

In a shocking turn of events, an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Iqaluit Airport, Canada, today due to a hoax bomb threat posted online.

The Boeing 777 aircraft, operating as flight AI127, took off from New Delhi at 3:00 am (IST) and was originally scheduled to land in Chicago at 7:00 am (US Time). However, due to a false security alert, the flight was diverted as a precautionary measure, highlighting a worrying trend in aviation safety. This incident is part of a growing list of hoax bomb threats that have disrupted air travel in the past 48 hours.

Hoax Bomb Threat Diverts Air India Flight: A Growing Trend

According to Air India, the security threat was posted on an unverified social media account, leading to immediate action. The airline released a statement saying, “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, has landed at Iqaluit Airport in Canada.” At the time of the report, the plane remained grounded, and both passengers and crew were undergoing thorough re-screening following standard security protocols.

As per FlightRadar24, the flight had safely reached Iqaluit Airport at 5:38 pm (IST) but had yet to take off again for Chicago. “Air India has activated agencies at the airport to assist the passengers until such time that their journey can resume,” the airline confirmed.

This diversion is just the latest in a series of six flights grounded over the last 48 hours due to hoax bomb threats. Earlier today, two other domestic flights—the Dammam-Lucknow IndiGo flight and the Ayodhya-Bengaluru Air India Express—were also grounded following fake threats. Yesterday, three international flights, two operated by IndiGo and one by Air India, received similar fake threats.

A Surge in Hoax Bomb Threats

The recent surge in hoax bomb threats, which have been posted on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), is a growing concern for airlines and authorities. Indigo Airlines also confirmed that flight 6E 98, from Dammam to Lucknow, had been grounded earlier today following a similar hoax. In a statement, the airline said, “The safety and security of our passengers and crew is our highest priority, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities and taking all necessary precautions as per the guidelines.”

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has launched an investigation into the origin of these threats, many of which were posted by unverified social media accounts. Sources within the airline industry have acknowledged the financial toll these incidents are having, noting the disruptions in flight schedules and the costs of conducting thorough security checks. Despite this, the airlines maintain that they are prioritizing safety over operational concerns.

Yesterday’s Threats: A Repeat Scenario

The disruption in air travel began yesterday when three flights—two operated by IndiGo and one by Air India—were grounded after receiving security threats. Air India’s flight AI119, bound for New York from Mumbai, was diverted to New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, where passengers were evacuated safely. Security teams, including bomb squads, were immediately deployed to inspect the aircraft.

Simultaneously, two IndiGo flights were affected. Flight 6E1275, heading to Muscat, and flight 6E56, bound for Jeddah, both received fake threats, leading to mandatory security checks. While the Muscat-bound plane resumed its journey, the flight to Jeddah was still undergoing checks.

The BCAS has confirmed that of the three planes that received threats yesterday, one IndiGo flight has been cleared for takeoff, while the remaining two will soon be granted permission to resume their journeys.

Aviation Authorities on High Alert

With the recent wave of hoax bomb threats, the aviation industry is on high alert. Each security scare not only causes significant disruptions for passengers but also puts pressure on airlines and airport authorities to respond swiftly and thoroughly. While the threats are turning out to be false, the danger posed by such incidents is real, as airlines must follow stringent protocols to ensure the safety of everyone onboard.

These hoax bomb threats have also impacted flight schedules and operations across various airlines. Airline officials are urging passengers to stay calm and cooperate with security teams as they work to resolve the situation.

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