Wave of Bomb Threats Disrupts Air Travel, Indian Airlines Among Targets

Indian Airlines

More than 20 flights have been disrupted by bomb threats this week, causing diversions, flight rescheduling, and significant security mobilization. These incidents, part of an ongoing series of hoaxes, have affected both domestic and international routes, with most threats conveyed via social media.

Among the impacted flights, an Indian carrier Vistara’s aircraft made an emergency landing at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) following a reported bomb threat.

According to the Police Media Spokesperson, the flight captain received a nonspecific bomb threat ten minutes before landing at BIA. In line with emergency protocols, airport authorities were promptly alerted, and all relevant teams were mobilized. The Vistara flight, carrying 96 passengers and 8 crew members, landed safely at 14:49 hours. As a precautionary measure, passengers were evacuated to the terminal, where their safety was assured.

The incident at BIA is just one of several bomb threats targeting Indian airlines over the past week. On Friday, Vistara flight UK17 from Delhi to London was diverted to Frankfurt for security checks after receiving a similar threat. Likewise, an Air India Express flight (IX-196) traveling from Dubai to Jaipur encountered a bomb scare on Saturday, resulting in an emergency landing at Jaipur International Airport.

Authorities at BIA and the Police Media Division have confirmed that no explosives were found onboard the Vistara flight. Despite the disruptions caused by these threats, all alerts have so far been determined to be hoaxes.