An Air India Express flight from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to New Delhi made an emergency landing at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad on Monday evening. This action was prompted by a reported bomb threat received while the aircraft was in flight. Authorities responded promptly to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
The plane was searched, but no objectionable material was found. The flight, which departed Dammam at 10:25 am IST, landed in Ahmedabad at 4:22 pm after the crew alerted the pilot about the threat while the aircraft was en route to Delhi.
A senior Crime Branch officer said the note appeared to be a prank. Earlier reporting noted: The Special Operations Group (SOG) will take over the investigation after an FIR is registered with Airport police, officials said.
Earlier reporting noted: CISF personnel, bomb disposal teams, the fire brigade and a dog squad searched the aircraft and the airport area. Earlier reporting noted: That aircraft also made an emergency landing at Ahmedabad.
Initial checks reported by local sources found no suspicious or explosive material, although security agencies continued their search and investigation to establish the nature and source of the threat. The incident comes as airports and airlines routinely step up security measures following any reported bomb threat. Airport terminal staff also started a sanitation process as the aircraft remained in the isolated area. Authorities were expected to conduct a headcount of all passengers and crew members as part of the security protocol. The aircraft landed safely and there were no immediate reports of injuries. Further details are expected once the security checks and investigation are completed. (With IANS inputs)
The crew immediately informed the pilot, who alerted air traffic control and sought permission to divert the aircraft to Ahmedabad as a precaution. After landing, the aircraft was moved to an isolated area of the airport, where security agencies began the prescribed safety procedures. Passengers and crew members were taken through security checks as authorities prepared for a detailed search of the aircraft. Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and bomb disposal teams were deployed at the airport. Security teams began checking the cabin, baggage and other parts of the aircraft for any suspicious material.
A crew member found a tissue paper in the aircraft’s lavatory with the word “bomb” written on it, according to local reports.
