Emergency Diversion of Air India Flight AI119 Due to Bomb Threat
On the morning of October 14, 2024, an Air India flight destined for New York from Mumbai was abruptly diverted to Delhi following a bomb threat posted on social media. The Boeing 777-300ER, operating as flight AI119, was forced to make an emergency landing at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport after taking off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 02:27 local time. Approximately 23 minutes into the flight, having reached a cruising altitude of 29,000 feet, the threat was identified, and the flight was redirected, landing safely in Delhi by 04:26.
Upon landing, extensive security checks were conducted on the aircraft. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and the aircraft was thoroughly searched by security agencies, though no explosives were found. Air India, in coordination with governmental security agencies, managed the situation with utmost priority to passenger safety, emphasizing their commitment to rigorous security protocols.
Response and Management of the Incident
The decision to divert the flight was made after Mumbai Airport authorities received a bomb threat message via X (formerly Twitter). The message was quickly relayed to Delhi’s security teams, who prepared for the flight’s arrival and immediate inspection. The swift coordination between various security agencies ensured that the incident was managed without panic and with minimal disruption to passengers. Air India and airport authorities provided support to affected passengers, arranging for their accommodation and alternative travel arrangements.
In their official statement, Air India assured the public that they are committed to the safety and security of their passengers and crew, and are equipped to handle such emergencies. The airline also highlighted the inconvenience caused to passengers and thanked them for their patience and understanding during the ordeal.
Broader Impact on Indian Aviation
This incident is part of a troubling rise in hoax threats targeting Indian commercial aviation. On the same day, two IndiGo Airlines flights—one destined for Muscat and the other for Jeddah—also received bomb threats. Although both threats were deemed hoaxes after thorough searches, they represent a growing challenge to aviation security. The previous day, another Indigo flight from Delhi to Chennai was delayed for similar reasons, impacting 169 passengers.
Earlier in the month, on October 5, 2024, two separate bomb threats were received via email targeting Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport in Indore and Vadodara Airport, both of which were subsequently dismissed as hoaxes. These incidents highlight the persistent vulnerability of aviation facilities to such threats and the ongoing need for enhanced security measures.
The increase in hoax threats not only disrupts airline operations but also imposes significant economic and psychological strains on passengers and staff. The aviation industry, along with governmental bodies, is continuously working to improve security protocols and response strategies to mitigate the impact of such threats.