Air India Express Mumbai-Varanasi Flight Receives Bomb Threat; Makes Emergency Landing, All 176 Passengers Evacuated

Mumbai: An Air India Express flight from Mumbai to Varanasi on November 12 received bomb threat. The incident occured on an Air India Express flight IX 1023. The flight departs from Mumbai at 1.30 PM and reaches Varanasi at 3:50 PM.

What Did The Threat Message State?

Sources told TOI that a paper chit was found in the lavatory of the flight which wrote, 'Bomb, Goodbye.'

Passenger Shares Details About The Incident

While speaking to the daily, a passenger informed that the passengers were unware of any such threat on the flight. Further adding, she said that the flight was also parked at a distance and the cabbin bags were asked to be placed on the tarnac where sniffer dog check the bags, after which the check-in bags were also thoroughly checked.

Air India Express Spokesperson Releases statement

An Air India Express spokesperson said that after the threat was received the Government-appointed Bomb Threat Assessment Committee was immediately alerted, and all necessary security procedures promptly initiated."

The spokesperson added that the aircraft will be released for operations once all mandated security checks are completed.

Citing Airport Intelligence, IANS had said that flight made an emergency landing at Varanasi Airport and all 176 passengers were evacuated safely.

The threat also came amid the time when security has been heightened across Indian cities after Delhi was hit by a horrific blast that took place in a Hyundai i20 car at a traffic signal near Red Fort metro station on November 10. The blast led to death of 12 people while 20 were left injured, gutting several vehicles.

Delhi Airport's T3 receives Hoax Bomb Threat

In another incident, a bomb threat was reported at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3 at around 4 p.m. on November 12. According to report, the fire department later confirmed it was a hoax. Hours before the blast in Delhi, eight people, including three doctors, were arrested and 2,900 kg of explosives seized with the uncovering of a "white collar" terror module.

Security Heightened Across Mumbai

Following the recent bomb blast in Delhi, the Mumbai Police intensified security measures across the city. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies have been directed to remain vigilant, and surveillance has been stepped up at key locations.

Senior police sources also added that additional security personnel was deployed at crowded areas including railway stations, malls, markets, religious sites, and public parking lots. Every vehicle and individual entering or exiting these areas is being closely monitored. In addition to this, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras are installed across the city to enhance surveillance and quickly identify suspicious activity or individuals.

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