Air India Flight Diverts to Phuket After Bomb Threat
Just a day after a tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad, another Air India flight bound for Delhi was forced into an emergency landing in Phuket, Thailand, after what authorities described as a bomb threat.
Flight Details and Immediate Response
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB) departed Phuket for Delhi at 9:30 a.m. local time but shortly after took a wide detour over the Andaman Sea before safely returning to Phuket airport. All 156 passengers on board were promptly evacuated under emergency protocols, according to officials.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Thai officials have yet to disclose detailed information concerning the nature or credibility of the bomb threat.
Context: A Grim Day for Air India
This unsettling event follows closely on the heels of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, where an Air India flight went down minutes after takeoff. Authorities have recovered at least 265 bodies, which include passengers as well as individuals from the buildings impacted by the crash. Tragically, only one passenger survived that accident.
The Ahmedabad crash claimed the lives of several notable victims, including four medical students and the wife of a doctor. Union Home Minister stated that the intense heat inside the wreckage, fueled by approximately 125,000 liters of aviation fuel, made rescue efforts impossible.
Rising Incidents and Security Concerns
Bomb threats and hoax calls are not uncommon at Indian airports; last year alone, nearly 1,000 false threat calls targeted Indian airlines and airports, highlighting ongoing security challenges.
Moving Forward
While investigations continue regarding both the Ahmedabad crash and the Phuket bomb threat incident, authorities are focused on passenger safety and threat verification. Identification of victims from the Ahmedabad tragedy is underway through DNA testing, with official casualty numbers expected to be released soon.
