Bomb Threats Disrupt Three International Flights from Mumbai; Passengers Evacuated, Prompt Emergency Security Checks Initiated

Three international flights were disrupted after it received bomb threats on Monday. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) reported that security checks were initiated for all three planes after the threats were received. The three flights halted owing to security concerns include two operated by IndiGo and one by Air India.

The first incident involved Air India flight AI119, which was scheduled to depart from Mumbai to New York's JFK Airport. Early this morning, the flight was urgently diverted to New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport following a specific security alert. "Flight AI119 operating from Mumbai to JFK on October 14 received a specific security alert and on instructions of the government's security regulatory committee was diverted to Delhi,” said a spokesperson of the airline. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and the aircraft was moved to an isolated area for thorough inspections by bomb squads and other security personnel.

Simultaneously, two IndiGo flights departing from Mumbai were also affected. Flight 6E1275, destined for Muscat, and Flight 6E56, heading to Jeddah, received similar security threats. An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed that both aircraft were relocated to isolated bays at Mumbai Airport as part of standard operating procedures. "As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolated bay, and mandatory security checks were promptly initiated," the spokesperson added. The airline stated that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure security during this incident.

Authorities are currently investigating the nature of the threats, and Air India is collaborating with security agencies to determine the appropriate next steps. Further updates from the airline are pending.​