Mid-Air Alert: Mumbai-Phuket Flight Diverted to Chennai After Bomb Threat Scare

A Vistara flight en route from Mumbai to Phuket experienced a harrowing mid-air diversion to Chennai International Airport following the alarming discovery of a bomb threat. Flight UKD24, carrying 173 passengers and seven crew members, landed in Chennai at approximately 10:28 AM, triggering a swift and comprehensive security response.

The incident unfolded when a threatening note, explicitly mentioning a bomb, was found inside one of the aircraft's washrooms.

Upon this grave discovery, the vigilant cabin crew immediately alerted the pilot-in-command, who in turn, contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Chennai. Given the critical nature of the threat, the decision was made to divert the flight to the nearest major airport equipped to handle such emergencies, leading its course to Chennai.

Upon landing, the aircraft was promptly directed to an isolated bay, a standard procedure for high-security alerts.

All 173 passengers and the seven crew members were quickly and safely disembarked, their faces reflecting a mix of concern and relief. The airport's emergency response protocol was activated with precision, involving a coordinated effort from multiple security agencies.

Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), alongside the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), swiftly converged on the aircraft.

Equipped with advanced scanning devices and sniffer dogs, they initiated a meticulous and thorough search of every compartment, overhead bin, seat pocket, and cargo hold. The entire process was conducted with utmost professionalism and urgency, ensuring no stone was left unturned in verifying the threat.

After an exhaustive inspection that lasted several hours, the security teams confirmed that the bomb threat was a hoax.

No suspicious devices or materials were found on board, bringing a collective sigh of relief to passengers, crew, and airport authorities. While waiting for the all-clear, passengers were provided with refreshments and necessary support, mitigating the discomfort of the unexpected layover.

Following the declaration that the threat was false, Vistara made arrangements for the affected passengers to continue their journey to Phuket on an alternate flight.

This incident underscores the robust security measures in place at Indian airports and the quick, decisive action taken by aviation authorities to prioritize passenger safety in the face of potential threats.