Jaipur: In a dramatic turn of events, an IndiGo flight en route from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to Lucknow was forced to make an emergency landing in Jaipur following a bomb threat, sending waves of panic among passengers and crew. The flight, carrying 150 passengers, was diverted after the pilot received information about a potential explosive onboard, though no confirmation of a bomb has been made so far. The scare also affected other flights, with similar threats targeting additional planes, prompting heightened security across multiple airports.
Panic Strikes: IndiGo Flight Diverted to Jaipur
IndiGo flight 6E-98 had taken off from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, heading to Lucknow when the bomb threat was received mid-flight. The pilot, adhering to standard safety protocols, immediately contacted the Air Traffic Control (ATC) unit after receiving the alarming information. At the time of the threat, the aircraft was within Jaipur’s airspace, leading ATC to swiftly authorize an emergency landing at Jaipur International Airport around 5:00 PM.
Upon landing, airport authorities activated heightened security measures. Fire brigades, security personnel, and bomb disposal units were dispatched to the runway. The plane was isolated within a 100-meter radius, and extensive checks were carried out by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), airport security, and bomb squads. Despite the extensive security sweep, no bomb has been confirmed on the aircraft, but investigations are ongoing to ensure passenger safety.
IndiGo Responds: Multiple Flights on High Alert
IndiGo issued an official statement regarding the situation, noting that this was not an isolated incident. The airline revealed that another flight, 6E-1275 from Mumbai to Muscat, had also received a bomb threat. Following protocol, the plane was moved to a designated secure area at Mumbai airport, where security personnel began thorough checks to ensure there were no explosives onboard.
IndiGo further disclosed that yet another flight, 6E-56, bound from Mumbai to Jeddah, faced a similar bomb threat. Both aircraft were immediately grounded in secure zones, and security procedures were launched in coordination with airport authorities.
Ayodhya Airport on Alert: Air India Express Faces Bomb Threat
Adding to the tension, an Air India Express flight received a bomb threat, resulting in an emergency landing at Ayodhya Airport. The flight had been traveling from Jaipur when the bomb alert forced the pilot to seek immediate clearance for an unscheduled landing.
Airport Director Vinod Kumar confirmed the landing and stated that security protocols were activated immediately upon the plane’s arrival. The aircraft and its passengers were isolated, and security forces conducted a meticulous investigation to rule out any danger.
Heightened Security and Vigilance Across Airports
These coordinated bomb threats triggered a wave of emergency procedures at several Indian airports, prompting authorities to raise the security alert level across the country. Fire brigades, bomb squads, and additional security personnel have been deployed at airports handling these aircraft, with CISF and other investigative agencies leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.
Although no bombs have been found so far on any of the flights, authorities remain cautious, treating the threats with utmost seriousness. IndiGo and Air India Express are working closely with aviation security and law enforcement agencies to trace the origin of the threats and safeguard all future flights.
A Wave of Threats Disrupts Air Travel
This series of bomb threats has raised concerns about the safety and security of air travel, prompting discussions about the robustness of current security protocols at Indian airports. The back-to-back emergency landings in Jaipur and Ayodhya have led to delays and heightened anxiety among passengers, though authorities have assured the public that every precaution is being taken to prevent any real danger.
As investigations continue, passengers are advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel during checks. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance and communication measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
With multiple flights facing bomb threats on the same day, Indian airports are on high alert, reinforcing the need for rigorous security measures in the face of growing concerns about aviation safety.