An Air India flight from Phuket, Thailand to New Delhi, India was forced to make an emergency landing on Friday after authorities received a bomb threat onboard. The aircraft, Flight AI 379, was carrying 156 passengers and landed safely at Phuket International Airport, where local emergency protocols were swiftly activated. The passengers were evacuated without incident, and authorities say no injuries have been reported.
Emergency Protocol Activated
The plane had taken off from Phuket International Airport and was en route to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi when the crew was alerted to a bomb threat allegedly communicated mid-flight. Upon receiving the alert, the pilot contacted air traffic control, and the flight was ordered to return to Phuket immediately.
“The aircraft made a safe emergency landing, and all 156 passengers were safely evacuated,” said an official from Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority. “Security forces are now conducting a full sweep of the aircraft.”
Emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and ambulances, were stationed at the airport runway as a precautionary measure.
Bomb Disposal Units Search Aircraft
Thai bomb disposal squads and airport security teams are currently conducting a detailed inspection of the aircraft, luggage, and passenger cabins. So far, no explosive device has been confirmed.
“We are taking the matter seriously,” said Police Colonel Suriya Narongchai, who is leading the investigation. “Passenger belongings are being screened, and interviews are being conducted. No device has been located at this time.”
Air India has confirmed that local authorities are in charge of the investigation and that they are cooperating fully with Thai and Indian agencies.
Passengers Escorted to Safety
Following the evacuation, passengers were moved to designated secure holding areas within the airport. Medical staff were on hand to assist with any stress or anxiety-related symptoms. Air India has stated that all passengers will be rebooked on alternative flights as soon as clearance is given by Thai officials.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority,” said an Air India spokesperson. “We regret the inconvenience caused and thank all authorities involved for their swift response.”
Family members in India have been informed, and Air India’s customer support lines have been opened for any further inquiries.
A Growing Trend?
This incident comes amid heightened security awareness in global aviation. It follows a series of false threats and airspace closures in South and Southeast Asia in recent months, prompting renewed discussions about airport screening and airborne threat response protocols.
Aviation analysts say such incidents, even when false, serve as stress tests for emergency response systems and expose vulnerabilities in cross-border communication.
International Cooperation in Security
Indian and Thai intelligence agencies are now in contact, reviewing flight manifests and communications logs to determine the source of the threat. Indian authorities have not ruled out a hoax but are urging patience until the investigation concludes.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed appreciation for Thailand’s prompt handling of the situation and emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation in aviation security.
