A New York-bound Air India flight made an emergency return to Mumbai on Monday morning after a bomb threat was discovered mid-flight.
Air India flight AI119 had conducted a departure from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 01:43 local time on 10 March.
The Boeing 777-300 ER, carrying over 320 passengers and crew, was conducting a scheduled service bound for New York JFK International Airport.
Air India Bomb Threat: Mumbai-New York
The incident unfolded several hours into the flight. Whilst in cruising flight, a handwritten bomb threat note was discovered in one of the aircraft’s lavatories.
The crew immediately alerted air traffic control and initiated emergency protocols, leading to the decision to return to Mumbai.
Flight tracking shows that the aircraft was on flight plan track passing through Armenian airspace. An emergency return to Mumbai was then carried out.
Emergency Return to Mumbai
The flight carried out a direct return to the departure airport in Mumbai, and landed at approximately 10:25 local time.
Upon landing, air traffic control directed the aircraft to an isolated bay for thorough security checks. Bomb disposal squads and security agencies then examined the aircraft, ensuring the safety of all onboard.
Air India disembarked the passengers and provided them with hotel accommodations, meals, and necessary support.
“The safety and security of our passengers and crew are of paramount importance,” stated an Air India spokesperson. “We are cooperating fully with the authorities in their investigation. We are taking all necessary measures to ensure the wellbeing of our passengers.”
The incident has caused significant disruption to travel plans, with the flight rescheduled to depart at 5:00 am on Tuesday, March 11. The airline has informed passengers of the revised schedule and is assisting them with their onward journeys.
Security agencies are currently analyzing the threat note and reviewing CCTV footage to identify the source of the threat.
The investigation aims to determine the credibility of the threat and apprehend any individuals involved.
The aircraft conducting the flight was a Boeing 777-300ER, registered VT-AER. This is an 11.4 year old widebody aircraft belonging to the carrier Air India. It has been in service with the airline since July 2023.
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