This was after an Akasa Air flight bound for Bengaluru, QP1335, declared an emergency and returned to Delhi, reportedly due to a bomb threat. The incident is an alarming trend, as it comes after a similar alert that forced a Delhi-bound IndiGo flight from Mumbai to divert to Ahmedabad, taking the number to a dozen in just three days.
Sources close to the development said that the bomb threat for Akasa Air came through social media. Confirming the development, an Akasa Air spokesperson said, “Akasa Air flight QP 1335, operating from Delhi to Bengaluru on October 16, 2024, with 174 passengers, three infants, and seven crew members, received a security alert. Emergency response teams are keeping a close watch and have recommended the pilot make a diversion to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, as a precautionary measure.”
He asserted that the captain was taking all necessary measures for a safe landing on time and said, “It was estimated that an emergency landing was going to take place at about 14:00 hours.” On-ground teams stand ready to support passengers and ensure their comfort and safety.
After the incident, an IndiGo spokesperson said, “Flight 6E 651 operating from Mumbai to Delhi was diverted to Ahmedabad owing to a security threat. On landing, the aircraft had been isolated, and all passengers were safely disembarked.” The spokesperson assured that the safety and security of customers and crew remained the airline’s priority.
In the last two days, nearly ten Indian carriers have been the target of hoax bomb threats that forced them to ground flights. The latest casualties include flights operated by Air India Express, among others. All of these carriers have adopted standard operating procedures in an effort to ensure passenger safety.
