A Vistara flight from Frankfurt to Mumbai declared a general emergency early Thursday morning due to a bomb threat, marking the 20th such incident reported by Indian carriers in a week. Flight UK 28 transmitted the emergency code 7700 while over Pakistan at around 6 AM IST and safely landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at approximately 7:40 AM.
Upon arrival, the aircraft was directed to an isolation bay for passenger disembarkation, where all safety protocols were followed. A Vistara spokesperson confirmed that the security threat was communicated via social media, prompting immediate notifications to the relevant authorities. Following standard procedures, the airline is cooperating with security agencies to conduct thorough checks.
This recent bomb threat is part of a disturbing trend affecting Indian airlines. On Monday, three international flights received similar threats, followed by ten on Tuesday and six more on Wednesday. All threats were subsequently confirmed as false.
The Indian aviation sector is facing heightened concerns regarding safety and security. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu condemned the recent bomb threats as “mischievous and unlawful” actions that pose significant risks to the aviation industry’s operational integrity.
In a related incident on October 14, an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Muscat also received a bomb threat minutes before takeoff, leading to the aircraft being isolated for security checks.
Authorities have made progress in addressing these threats; Mumbai Police arrested a minor suspected to be linked to bomb threats against three flights, and efforts are ongoing to identify and prosecute others involved in these disruptions.
As investigations continue, the aviation sector remains vigilant, with a commitment to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining operational stability amidst these challenges.
Sources By Agencies
