Air India flight receives a bomb threat; takes an emergency landing in Thailand

New Delhi (India) June 13: On Friday, an Air India flight from Thailand to Delhi had to make an emergency landing after receiving a bomb threat. According to the Phuket International Airport in Thailand, Air India AI379, carrying 156 passengers, was forced to return after a bomb threat was discovered on a toilet wall.

According to Nation Thailand, Phuket Airport responded to the bomb threat by activating its Airport Contingency Plan (ACP), Chapter 3, in accordance with regular protocols, and authorities verified that any necessary safety measures were taken. 

According to the Transport Ministry, safety procedures are being strictly adhered to at Phuket International Airport, where Air India aircraft AI 379 made a safe landing.

Air India said, “An Air India flight from Phuket, Thailand, to India’s capital New Delhi received a bomb threat on Friday, prompting an emergency landing."

"As part of emergency protocols, passengers of flight AI 379 are being deboarded from the aircraft. A total of 156 passengers were on board, and the bomb threat was discovered inside the aircraft’s toilet” in a statement regarding the incident.

On Friday, the aircraft took off from Phuket airport at 9:30 AM (0230) and headed for New Delhi. But before coming back to land on the Thai island, it made a number of circles around the Andaman Sea.

There were 156 passengers on board AI 379. According to Airports of Thailand (AOT), the plane had returned to Phuket in accordance with emergency procedures and all passengers were safely evacuated.

According to an official, the plane made a safe landing and is currently going through the required security inspections at Phuket International Airport.

He also said, "During the cruising phase of the flight a security alert was received after which the pilot took a mid-air turn back to Phuket." 

After the initial investigation it was stated that investigators had not discovered any bomb within the aircraft.

The person who discovered the bomb threat paper on the plane was being questioned by Thai airport officials.

This incident comes just one day after an Air India flight crashed in Ahmedabad and caused a terrible tragedy. The crash is currently regarded as one of the worst aviation accidents in Indian history.

Aadrika Tayal