An Air India flight en route from Phuket, Thailand to New Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing on Friday after a bomb threat was discovered onboard, according to the Airports of Thailand (AoT). The Airbus A320, which had recently taken off from Phuket International Airport, made a swift U-turn over the Andaman Sea before circling the island multiple times and landing safely back at the airport.
The pilot reportedly contacted air traffic control shortly after takeoff to report that a bomb threat message had been found. The nature and origin of the message have not yet been disclosed. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 shows the aircraft deviating from its course and engaging in aerial holding patterns before its cautious return to Phuket.
All passengers and crew were safely evacuated upon landing, and security teams immediately began a thorough inspection of the aircraft. No explosive device had been confirmed as of the latest updates, and authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine whether the threat was credible or a hoax.
This alarming event comes just one day after another tragic incident involving the airline: an Air India flight bound for London crashed during takeoff from the Indian city of Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of at least 265 people on board and on the ground. While the two events appear unrelated at this time, the back-to-back emergencies have raised concerns about the airline’s safety protocols and overall security measures.
Thai aviation authorities, in cooperation with Indian officials and international aviation safety agencies, are closely monitoring both situations. Passengers scheduled to travel with Air India in the coming days are urged to check with the airline for updates and to expect potential delays or increased security screenings.
The swift response by the flight crew and airport authorities in Phuket likely prevented panic and ensured the safety of all on board. As investigations continue, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges airlines face in ensuring passenger safety amid evolving global threats.
