Key Points
- Air India flight AI 379 from Phuket to Delhi made an emergency landing in Phuket after a bomb threat was reported mid-air.
- All 156 passengers and crew were safely evacuated; no injuries or explosives were found.
- The incident came less than 24 hours after the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which killed over 240 people.
- Thai authorities activated full airport emergency protocols and are investigating the source of the bomb threat.
- Surge in bomb threats targeting Indian airlines and airports has been noted in recent years.
Phuket: Just a day after India’s worst aviation disaster in years, Air India faced another major scare this time in Thailand. On Friday morning, Air India flight AI 379, an Airbus A320 with 156 people onboard, took off from Phuket International Airport bound for Delhi. Shortly after takeoff, the crew received a bomb threat, reportedly via a note found in the aircraft’s lavatory.
Swift Response and Safe Evacuation
Upon receiving the threat, the pilot immediately contacted air traffic control and circled over the Andaman Sea before returning to Phuket. Phuket Airport authorities swiftly activated the Airport Contingency Plan (ACP) for bomb threats, mobilizing emergency services and preparing for a potential crisis.
The flight landed safely back in Phuket at 9:30 a.m. local time. All 156 passengers and crew were evacuated as per emergency protocols. Thai officials conducted a thorough search of the aircraft and baggage, but no explosives or suspicious items were found. No injuries were reported, and the airport resumed normal operations after the all-clear was given.
Second Air India Incident in 24 Hours
This bomb scare comes less than 24 hours after Air India’s catastrophic crash in Ahmedabad, where a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI 171) crashed shortly after takeoff, killing over 240 people and leaving the nation in shock. The back-to-back emergencies have rattled public confidence in Air India’s international operations and put airline security under sharp scrutiny.
Authorities on High Alert
Thai police and airport security are now investigating the source of the bomb threat, working to identify the individual responsible. In recent years, Indian airlines and airports have faced a surge in bomb threats many of them hoaxes which have led to widespread disruptions and heightened security measures.
Aviation Community on Edge
Aviation experts note that such incidents, especially when occurring in rapid succession, can cause significant anxiety among travelers and put additional pressure on airline and airport security systems. Air India has not yet issued an official statement on the Phuket bomb threat, but the airline is expected to review its security protocols in the wake of these incidents.
The safe evacuation of all passengers from Air India flight AI 379 in Phuket is a relief amid a week of tragedy and turmoil for the airline. As investigations continue into both the bomb threat and the Ahmedabad crash, authorities and the aviation industry are under pressure to restore public confidence and ensure the highest standards of safety and security for all travelers.
