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Published 14:45 IST, October 20th 2024

Bomb Scare on IndiGo Flight Amid Series of Hoax Threats

Another Indigo Flight Receives Bomb Threat Amid Series of Hoaxes.

Reported by: Digital Desk
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IndiGo | Image: Shutterstcok / Representative

New Delhi: A Pune-Jodhpur Indigo flight (6E133) received a bomb threat via email on Sunday, October 20 adding to a growing number of similar threats targeting Indian airlines. The incident prompted aircraft's landing at Jodhpur airport. According to sources, the flight landed safely at around 1.07pm, 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 luggage of the passengers, along with the entire aircraft, is being thoroughly searched by security personnel to ensure safety. 
Over 70 threats made to various carriers, including Vistara, Air India , and SpiceJet, within the past week, 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.

In response to the surge in threats, the central government announced on October 16 the deployment of additional air marshals on "sensitive routes." According to a senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs, this decision follows a detailed assessment of the situation and input from intelligence agencies.

Despite most threats proving to be false alarms, authorities remain alert. The rise in hoaxes is not only causing panic but also placing a significant strain on aviation operations and security resources across the country.

Updated 15:15 IST, October 20th 2024