An Air India Express aircraft was compelled to execute an emergency landing on Wednesday after receiving a bomb threat mid-air, triggering a major security response at Varanasi's international airport.
Emergency Protocols Activated Mid-Flight
The scheduled flight, travelling from Mumbai to Varanasi with 176 passengers and crew members aboard, was approximately two hours into its journey when the security threat emerged. According to official statements, the cockpit crew immediately alerted air traffic control and initiated emergency procedures.
The aircraft made a swift descent into Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, where emergency protocols were already being implemented on the ground. Airport authorities had cleared the runway and deployed emergency services in preparation for the aircraft's arrival.
Successful Evacuation and Security Sweep
Following the safe landing, all 176 individuals were promptly evacuated from the aircraft using emergency slides and taken to secure areas of the terminal. Medical teams confirmed that no injuries were reported during the evacuation process.
Bomb disposal squads and security experts immediately commenced thorough inspections of the aircraft. The security teams conducted comprehensive sweeps of the cabin, cargo hold, and all accessible areas of the plane. After extensive examination, authorities confirmed that no suspicious items were discovered aboard the aircraft.
An Air India Express spokesperson stated: "One of our flights to Varanasi received a security threat. In line with protocol, the Government-appointed Bomb Threat Assessment Committee was immediately alerted, and all necessary security procedures promptly initiated."
Ongoing Security Measures and Wider Threats
The aircraft remains in an isolation bay at Varanasi airport pending completion of all mandated security checks before it can be cleared to return to service. The United News Of India reported that the threat had been confirmed as a hoax.
This incident occurred against a backdrop of broader security concerns for Indian aviation. IndiGo airlines also received digital threats targeting five major airports across India, including facilities in Mumbai and Delhi, indicating a coordinated pattern of security disruptions.
The bomb scare comes shortly after Air India grounded three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners for extensive investigations following a previous aviation incident that resulted in 260 fatalities, including 169 Indian nationals and 52 British citizens.
