New Delhi, India

A Vistara flight from Frankfurt to Mumbai received a bomb threat via social media, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency. The flight safely touched down at Mumbai airport early Thursday (Oct 17) morning. This incident marks at least the 20th bomb threat received by Indian airlines within the past week.

Advertisment

Flight UK 28 from Vistara was flying over Pakistan when, around 6 AM IST on Thursday, it issued a "7700" emergency code, signalling a general emergency. Despite this, the plane continued its journey and landed safely in Mumbai at approximately 7:40 AM.

Also read: ‘Trudeau is a joke,’ Indian Opposition stands strong with PM Modi amid Nijjar killing row

Earlier in the week, on Monday, three international flights operated by Indian airlines also received bomb threats. Tuesday saw 10 more threats, followed by at least six on Wednesday.

Advertisment

These threats were all made through social media, and after investigation, were confirmed to be false. Both large and smaller airlines in India were targeted.

A Vistara spokesperson stated, “Vistara flight UK 028…was subject to a security threat received on social media. As per protocol, all relevant authorities were immediately informed. The aircraft safely landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai and was taken to the isolation bay where all customers were disembarked. We are fully cooperating with the security agencies to complete the mandatory security checks.”

Also read: Chandra Arya urges Trudeau to protect Hindu-Canadians from Khalistani threat

Advertisment

The Union Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, raised concerns over these incidents, condemning them as "mischievous and unlawful." He added the danger these actions pose to the safety and security of the aviation industry.

Naidu also mentioned that Mumbai Police had arrested a minor in connection with bomb threats made for three flights and assured that investigations are ongoing to find others responsible for these threats.

While most bomb threats turn out to be hoaxes, airlines and authorities worldwide take them very seriously. The subsequent security checks, which can take hours, often lead to delays, rescheduling, and financial losses for the airlines.

(With inputs from agencies)