Air India under scrutiny again: Bomb threat a day after Ahmedabad crash

KKN Gurugram Desk |  Just a day after a devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed over 260 people, another Air India aircraft has made headlines, this time for an emergency landing prompted by a bomb threat mid-flight. The troubling incident has intensified public concern about the airline’s recent safety record and triggered renewed scrutiny from aviation authorities.

The latest scare involved an Air India flight flying from Phuket (Thailand) to New Delhi, which was forced to turn back and make an emergency landing on Friday morning after a potential security threat was reported while the aircraft was flying over the Andaman Sea.

Bomb Threat Forces Air India Flight to Return to Phuket

The aircraft, operating under Air India and carrying 156 passengers, took off from Phuket International Airport at 9:30 AM IST on June 13. However, mid-way through the journey — as it entered Indian airspace over the Andaman Sea — the crew received an alert indicating a possible bomb threat on board.

Following strict aviation safety protocols, the pilot immediately contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and decided to reroute the aircraft back to Phuket. The plane landed safely, and all passengers were swiftly evacuated as a precautionary measure.

 What Was the Threat?

Initial reports suggest that the threat may have been communicated through an anonymous message, but authorities have not disclosed further details. A full-scale security sweep and bomb squad inspection was conducted after the landing. As of now, no explosive device or suspicious material has been found onboard.

Authorities Investigate Possible Hoax

While the incident did not result in any injuries or damage, it has nonetheless caused concern due to its timing — just a day after a fatal Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and civil aviation security agencies are now investigating the source of the bomb threat, including the possibility that it may have been a hoax. If found to be deliberate and false, the person responsible could face severe criminal charges under Indian and international aviation laws.

Security agencies have also raised the possibility that the threat may be part of a pattern. According to previous reports, India witnessed a sharp spike in bomb threat hoaxes throughout 2024. In fact, more than 1,000 fake bomb threats were reported in the first 10 months of last year alone — a nearly tenfold increase compared to 2023.

Ahmedabad Crash Adds to Air India’s Troubles

The emergency landing comes less than 24 hours after a catastrophic crash involving another Air India aircraft — a Boeing Dreamliner (AI 171) — that was en route from Ahmedabad to London. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

 Crash Details at a Glance:

• Flight: AI 171

• Aircraft: Boeing Dreamliner

• Passengers: 230

• Crew: 12 (including 2 pilots)

• Fatalities: 265 (only one survivor reported)

• Crash Site: An apartment hostel associated with a local hospital

• Nationalities on board:

  • 169 Indian citizens

  • 53 British nationals

  • 7 Portuguese citizens

  • 1 Canadian citizen

The crash site revealed a horrific scene, and rescue operations lasted several hours. The aircraft, which joined Air India’s fleet in 2016, is now at the center of an official investigation ordered by the DGCA. The crash has raised serious questions about maintenance standards, pilot training, and technical inspections within Air India’s operational framework.

Growing Concerns Over Air India’s Safety Record

The back-to-back incidents have cast a shadow over Air India’s recent revival efforts under the Tata Group’s leadership. While the airline has been undergoing a brand refresh and adding new aircraft to its fleet, these safety concerns could impact traveler confidence, international flight permissions, and even stock market sentiment around aviation investments.

Key Points of Concern:

• Recurrence of life-threatening mid-air incidents

• Spike in false bomb threats affecting flight operations

• Questions around technical inspections and airworthiness

• Potential review of Air India’s safety compliance certificates by international regulators

Passenger Safety: What Airlines and Authorities Are Saying

Following the Phuket incident, Air India released a brief statement:

“As a precautionary measure, our Phuket–Delhi flight returned to Phuket after receiving a bomb threat alert. All passengers are safe, and local authorities are investigating. We regret the inconvenience caused and are cooperating fully with security agencies.”

Meanwhile, DGCA has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and announced that a special review of Air India’s aircraft will be conducted in light of the two back-to-back incidents.

Passengers onboard the Phuket flight were offered refreshments and alternate flight options by the airline while security teams completed their investigation.

Security Measures Likely to Be Tightened

With the dual blow of a fatal crash and a bomb threat, experts predict a tightening of airport security checks, especially for international departures and arrivals. Authorities may also:

• Increase random baggage screenings

• Deploy more bomb detection K-9 units

• Implement AI-based behavioral detection at check-in points

• Reassess existing no-fly lists and threat databases

International airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai may also coordinate with foreign agencies like ICAO and Interpol to track the origin of any cross-border threats.

As India continues to emerge as a global aviation hub, the recent Air India emergencies serve as a reminder of the complex challenges the sector faces — from technical reliability to cyber and terror threats. For Air India, this is a critical moment to demonstrate transparency, resilience, and a clear commitment to passenger safety.

Travelers are advised to stay updated on official airline advisories and report any suspicious activity to authorities. DGCA’s investigations into both the Ahmedabad crash and the Phuket bomb threat will determine the next course of regulatory and operational actions.

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