Hoax Bomb Threats Ground 3 Indian Flights, Force Air India Jet to Land in Remote Canadian Airport

An alarming series of hoax bomb threats have recently wreaked havoc on international air travel, with six flights grounded in just 48 hours. The latest incident involved an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago, which was diverted to Iqaluit Airport in Canada following an online bomb threat that raised significant safety concerns.

On October 15, 2024, Air India Flight AI127 was forced to land in Iqaluit as a precautionary measure. The aircraft, a Boeing 777, had originally taken off from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 3:00 AM IST and was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 7:00 AM US time. However, due to the online threat, the flight was rerouted to Canada where it remains grounded.

Air India confirmed the situation, stating, “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.” The airline is currently conducting a thorough re-screening of both the aircraft and its passengers, following established security protocols. To assist passengers during this unexpected delay, Air India has activated local agencies at the airport until they can resume their journey.

The recent spate of hoax threats has affected not only Air India but also other airlines. On the same day as the diversion to Iqaluit, an IndiGo flight from Dammam to Lucknow and another Air India Express flight from Ayodhya to Bengaluru were also grounded. Just the previous day, two additional IndiGo flights along with one Air India flight had received similar fake threats, prompting immediate action and safety checks.

According to FlightRadar24, as of 5:38 PM IST, Flight AI127 remains at Iqaluit Airport, still awaiting clearance to take off. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is currently investigating the source of these threats, which were made from an unverified social media handle.

An IndiGo spokesperson commented, “We are aware of the situation involving flight 6E 98 from Dammam to Lucknow. 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.”

Sources within the airlines revealed that these threats, while unfounded, have been detrimental to their operations and finances. The disruptions have forced airlines to conduct extensive security checks, affecting numerous passengers. For instance, across the two IndiGo flights grounded due to the threats, a total of 258 passengers were impacted. While one of the flights has since departed, the other is expected to resume its journey later today.

Earlier incidents include Air India Flight AI119, which was diverted from its Mumbai to New York route after a specific security alert on October 14. The flight was redirected back to Delhi, and passengers were evacuated safely as a bomb squad and security personnel conducted thorough inspections. This pattern of threats is troubling, as it not only inconveniences travelers but also poses a significant security challenge for aviation authorities.

In a statement, Air India reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety, emphasizing that all necessary steps are being taken in response to these hoaxes. The airline remains vigilant in its security protocols to ensure that such incidents are handled swiftly and effectively.

As investigations continue, travelers are urged to remain aware and report any suspicious activities to ensure the safety of all passengers in the air travel community. The need for enhanced security measures in the face of such threats has never been more apparent, and aviation authorities are poised to implement more rigorous protocols to safeguard passengers and crews alike.