Three hoax bomb threats disrupted the travel plans of many passengers flying out of Mumbai in a single day.
- An Air India flight bound for New York was diverted to Delhi after receiving a bomb threat, affecting 239 passengers and 19 crew members.
- Bomb threats targeted two IndiGo flights to Muscat and Jeddah, causing significant delays as thorough security checks were conducted.
- A similar threat was reported for a Mumbai-Howrah Mail train service, which also proved to be a hoax.
- Authorities ensured that all safety protocols were followed, and passengers were accommodated appropriately during the disruptions.
Passengers planning to fly out of Mumbai faced significant disruption due to hoax bomb threats that targeted multiple international flights. An Air India flight en route to New York was one of the major flights affected, being diverted to Delhi to ensure passenger and crew safety. This flight, which carried 239 passengers along with 19 crew members, had to be cancelled. Air India confirmed that, “On instructions of the government’s security regulatory committee, the flight was diverted to Delhi,” adding, “We confirm that all passengers and crew disembarked and are undergoing security procedures.” The flight has been rescheduled to resume from Delhi the following day.
Additionally, two IndiGo flights headed for Muscat and Jeddah received bomb threats while at the gate in Mumbai. The resulting security protocols led to delays of seven and eleven hours respectively for these flights. This thorough inspection ensured that safety was prioritised, albeit at the cost of extended waiting times for travellers.
Interestingly, the disruptive hoaxes extended beyond aviation. A report of a bomb threat was also received for the Mumbai-Howrah Mail train service. Like the airline threats, this was subsequently confirmed as a hoax after necessary security verifications were completed by the authorities.
The systematic response to these threats highlights the vigilance and preparedness of the security services. Passengers impacted by these incidents were provided with appropriate support, including accommodation for those affected by the Air India flight diversion. Such swift action underscores the importance of safety and security across transport services, ensuring public confidence even in the face of false alarms.
The coordinated response to multiple hoax bomb threats in Mumbai underscores the importance of robust security measures in maintaining traveller safety.
