Jaipur: In the early hours of Saturday, an Air India Express flight (IX-196) from Dubai to Jaipur was forced to make an emergency landing at Jaipur International Airport after receiving a bomb threat via email. The flight, carrying 189 passengers, touched down safely at 1:20 am, with security teams immediately swinging into action.
Bomb Threat Received Mid-Flight, Chaos Averted
The bomb threat was received at 12:45 am, causing panic onboard. However, the flight crew and ground authorities acted swiftly, ensuring a smooth and safe landing. “The situation was handled according to established protocols, and thankfully, no suspicious items were found,” an official confirmed. Security forces conducted thorough checks, and investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the email threat.
Global Aviation Under Siege: Two More Bomb Threats in a Day
The Air India Express incident was one of three bomb threats that rattled the aviation industry in a span of hours. Earlier on Friday, a Vistara flight (UK17) traveling from Delhi to London was diverted to Frankfurt, Germany, after receiving a bomb threat via social media. The pilots made the precautionary decision to land in Frankfurt, where the flight underwent extensive security checks. The aircraft was cleared after no explosives were found, allowing the flight to proceed to London.
Akasa Air Joins List of Threatened Flights
Adding to the string of hoaxes, an Akasa Air flight (QP 1366) from Bengaluru to Mumbai also faced a bomb threat just before takeoff. Mumbai Airport authorities conducted rigorous inspections, only to confirm the threat as another false alarm.
A Disturbing Trend: 35 Flights Targeted in a Week
The wave of bomb threats has severely disrupted global air traffic. Since Monday, at least 35 flights have been either diverted or forced into emergency landings due to such security scares. With this growing trend, the Civil Aviation Ministry and airport authorities are stepping up efforts to tighten security measures, ensuring the safety of passengers amid heightened concerns.
The Bigger Picture: Heightened Vigilance in Aviation Security
These frequent threats have raised concerns about aviation safety globally. While none of the recent bomb scares have resulted in actual explosives being found, the aviation industry is not taking any chances. Stricter protocols and enhanced passenger screening are being implemented across airports to minimize risks and reassure travelers.
