6 Vistara Flights Recieve Bomb Threats

Vistara airline reported receiving bomb threats for six of its flights via social media on Sunday, leading to emergency security checks at various airports across the country. The affected Vistara flights include UK25 (Delhi to Frankfurt), UK106 (Singapore to Mumbai), UK146 (Bali to Delhi), UK116 (Singapore to Delhi), UK110 (Singapore to Pune), and UK107 (Mumbai to Singapore).

In an official statement, Vistara confirmed the threats and emphasized its commitment to passenger safety: "We confirm receiving security threats on social media for six Vistara flights operating on 20 October 2024. In line with the protocols, all relevant authorities were immediately notified, and security procedures, as directed by them, are being carried out."

This alarming incident follows a meeting on October 19, where the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) convened with airline CEOs after at least 70 hoax bomb threats were reported over the previous week. Airlines were instructed to adhere strictly to established procedures for addressing such threats.

A Pune-Jodhpur  Indigo flight (6E133) also received a bomb threat via email on Sunday, October 20 adding to a growing number of similar threats targeting Indian airlines. The incident prompted the aircraft's landing at Jodhpur Airport. According to sources, the flight landed safely at around 1.07 pm, with all passengers unharmed.

As per reports airport authorities took immediate action and grounded the flight, emergency teams, including the fire brigade, dog squad, police, and administrative officials, also quickly arrived at the scene.

Moreover, the passengers' luggage, along with the entire aircraft, are being thoroughly searched by security personnel to ensure safety. 
Within the past week, over 70 threats have been made to various carriers, including Vistara,  Air India , and SpiceJet, the majority of which have turned out to be hoaxes.

More than 30 flights across major airlines such as IndiGo, Akasa Air, Star Air, and Alliance Air were targeted on Saturday alone. 

Adding to the series of events, Belagavi's Sambra airport in Karnataka became the latest site to receive a bomb threat. 

On Sunday, the airport director, Thyagaraj, reportedly received a menacing email threatening to blow up the facility, triggering an immediate security response. The origin of the email has been traced to Chennai, and local authorities, supported by a dog and bomb squad, are thoroughly inspecting the premises. A case has been registered at the Marihal police station in connection with the threat.