Panic ensued after a bomb threat was received regarding an international commercial flight traveling from Saudi Arabia to India. While the flight was airborne, the airline and Air Traffic Control (ATC) received a message claiming that explosive material had been placed on board. Upon receiving the threat, the crew immediately activated emergency protocols in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Given the gravity of the situation, the pilot requested permission for an emergency landing at the nearest suitable airport—Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The ATC promptly declared an emergency and granted the flight priority landing clearance. Fire tenders, ambulances, and security forces were placed on high alert at the airport.
Once the aircraft landed safely, it was moved to an isolation bay. Subsequently, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), local police, and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) immediately took charge of the aircraft. A thorough search of the aircraft, passenger luggage, and cargo was conducted with the assistance of sniffer dogs.
After several hours of investigation and searching, security forces found no suspicious or explosive materials on board. The threat was subsequently declared a hoax. Passengers breathed a sigh of relief once the security checks were completed. The airline administration expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the passengers and made arrangements for their accommodation and onward travel.
Security agencies have now launched an investigation to trace the person responsible for the hoax threat. Suspects are being identified based on IP addresses and phone numbers. In light of the recent rise in hoax bomb threats against aircraft, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is considering implementing stricter regulations and provisions for severe penalties.