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Hoax Bomb Threats Put Major Indian Airports on Alert After Air India Express Flight Diverts to Varanasi

Authorities tightened airport screening nationwide following BTAC checks that found no explosives.

Overview

  • An Air India Express flight from Mumbai to Varanasi made an emergency landing after a mid‑air bomb threat, passengers were evacuated safely and searches found no device.
  • IndiGo flagged a digital message warning of attacks at five airports—widely cited as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Hyderabad—which officials assessed as non‑specific.
  • A separate call and email referencing Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3 triggered checks that Delhi Police and fire officials later declared a hoax.
  • BCAS ordered tighter measures including compulsory Secondary Ladder Point Checking and full aircraft and catering inspections, with airports cautioning of longer screening times.
  • Investigations are underway to trace the source of the messages, while a threat scribbled on a MumbaiVaranasi train also prompted searches that found no explosives.