An Air India flight travelling from Delhi to Chicago was unexpectedly diverted to Canada following a security threat received via an unverified social media post. The airline, in an official statement issued on Tuesday, revealed that flight AI127, operating on October 15, 2024, was targeted by a specific online threat, prompting immediate precautionary measures. As a result, the plane was rerouted to Iqaluit Airport in Canada, where it made a safe landing.
Air India further clarified that the decision to divert the flight was made to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Upon landing, both the aircraft and the passengers underwent a thorough re-screening process in accordance with established security protocols. The airline emphasized that all necessary support was being provided to passengers at the airport while security checks were conducted, and every effort was being made to minimize inconvenience until the flight could resume its journey to Chicago.
This incident occurred amid a series of similar threats targeting other flights. On the same day, bomb threats were directed at five different planes through a social media account, prompting heightened security measures across various airports. According to official sources, the flights involved included an Air India Express aircraft operating between Jaipur, Ayodhya, and Bengaluru (flight IX765), a SpiceJet plane flying from Darbhanga to Mumbai (SG116), an Akasa Air flight from Siliguri to Bengaluru (QP1373), IndiGo flight from Dammam to Lucknow (6E-98), and the Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago (AI127).
In response to these threats, security agencies swiftly initiated counter-terrorism protocols at the affected airports. The Air India Express flight underwent a comprehensive security check upon landing in Ayodhya, while the SpiceJet and Akasa Air planes were confirmed to have landed safely according to flight-tracking data. The AI127 flight, however, was diverted to Canada for further security screening due to the nature of the threat.
Air India also acknowledged an increase in the frequency of such security threats in recent days. The airline revealed that similar threats had been made against it and other local carriers, with investigations later confirming them to be hoaxes. Despite this, the airline reiterated its commitment to treating all threats with the utmost seriousness, underscoring the importance of passenger safety and the responsibility of the airline to follow strict security protocols in such cases.
In its statement, Air India expressed sincere regret for the disruption and inconvenience caused to its passengers. The airline emphasized its full cooperation with relevant authorities to trace the origins of the threat and hold the perpetrators accountable. In addition to working closely with security agencies, Air India hinted at the possibility of pursuing legal action to recover the financial losses and damages incurred as a result of the false threat. The airline remains resolute in its efforts to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and that appropriate legal measures are taken to prevent future occurrences.
While the bomb threats ultimately proved to be hoaxes, they serve as a stark reminder of the challenges airlines face in maintaining security and managing the complexities of modern air travel. Air India’s swift and coordinated response underscores the industry’s commitment to safeguarding passengers, even in the face of potential false alarms.
In wake of the threats received, IndiGo airline has also issued a statement saying, “We are aware of the situation regarding flight 6E-98 from Dammam to Lucknow. Ensuring the safety and security of our passengers and crew is our top priority, and we are working closely with the appropriate authorities, following all necessary safety protocols as per the established guidelines.”