Several IndiGo and Akasa Air flights received bomb threats on Sunday, October 20, as part of a growing number of false alarms affecting airline operations. IndiGo shared details of the threats through press statements, emphasizing passenger and crew safety as their top priority.
In a statement on X, IndiGo said, "We are aware of a situation involving flight 6E 58 operating from Jeddah to Mumbai. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is our highest priority, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities and taking all necessary precautions as per the guidelines."
Other IndiGo flights affected by bomb threats included:
Akasa Air on Alert
Akasa Air also faced similar alerts on October 20. A spokesperson for the airline confirmed that several flights had received security alerts, including:
The spokesperson added that the Akasa Air Emergency Response team was activated immediately, and all standard procedures, including coordination with regulatory authorities, were followed. The team monitored the situation in real time and ensured that passengers’ needs were met, including refreshments during the security checks.
Recent Surge in Bomb Threats
The latest threats come after over 30 flights from various Indian airlines received bomb threats on Saturday. Airlines impacted included Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Star Air, and Alliance Air. These threats, mostly circulated through social media, led to heightened security measures and disruptions for both passengers and staff.
One threat note was reportedly found inside the lavatory of one flight. The social media handle used to issue some of the threats has since been deactivated.
Over the past week, more than 70 domestic and international flights operated by Indian carriers have been subjected to bomb threats, most of which were hoaxes. Among the airlines, Vistara had six flights affected, while IndiGo and Akasa Air each had five flights targeted.
In response, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) held a meeting with airline representatives in Delhi to address the situation. The civil aviation ministry is also considering strict measures to prevent future hoax threats, including placing those responsible on the no-fly list.
Why Bomb Threats Are Targeting Mumbai-Bound International Flights
US B-2 Stealth Bombers Strike Underground Bunkers of Yemen’s Houthi Rebels
Singapore Scrambles Fighter Jets After Bomb Threat on Air India Express Flight