IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Nagpur after bomb threat; 4 Boeing aircraft return mid-journey in two days
PTC Web Desk: A major security scare was reported on Tuesday when an IndiGo flight travelling from Kochi to Delhi received a bomb threat mid-air. The authorities were alerted that an explosive device might be on board the aircraft. Acting swiftly, the flight was diverted to Nagpur, where it made an emergency landing. Passengers were safely evacuated, and security agencies initiated a thorough inspection of the aircraft.
Just hours earlier, another incident occurred involving Air India Flight AI180, which was en route from San Francisco to Mumbai. The Boeing 777-200LR (Worldliner) aircraft faced a technical malfunction, prompting a precautionary landing at Kolkata Airport early Tuesday morning. The aircraft arrived in Kolkata at 12.45 am on June 17 and was scheduled to resume its journey to Mumbai at 2 am. However, a technical issue in the left engine delayed takeoff. Around 5.20 am, the captain informed passengers that they would need to disembark, citing flight safety as the primary concern. All passengers were safely deboarded.
Four Boeing aircraft return mid-journey in two days
A concerning pattern emerged over the past two days, with four Boeing aircraft forced to return or make emergency landings due to either mechanical faults or threats.
June 16 incidents:
Air India Flight AI315 (Hong Kong to Delhi) – The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner turned back due to a technical malfunction.
Air India Express Flight (Delhi to Ranchi) – A Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft was diverted back to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to a suspected technical issue. The flight was originally scheduled to land at Ranchi's Birsa Munda Airport at 6.20 pm.
June 15 incidents:
British Airways Flight (London to Chennai) – A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was forced to return to its origin due to technical failure mid-flight.
Lufthansa Flight (Frankfurt to Hyderabad) – A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Lufthansa had to return to Germany after receiving a bomb threat. The aircraft was denied landing permission and diverted back as a precaution.
Another serious incident was reported on Sunday at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport. During landing, sparks and smoke were observed coming from the wheel assembly of Saudi Arabian Airlines Flight SV-3112, which was carrying Hajj pilgrims from Jeddah.
The pilot immediately alerted air traffic control. Thanks to quick action and situational awareness, the aircraft was brought to a safe halt before a disaster could occur. The airport's fire team responded promptly, dousing the affected area with foam and water. The situation was brought under control within 20 minutes.
The flight had departed from Jeddah at 11.30 pm on Saturday and landed in Lucknow at approximately 6.30 am on Sunday. The incident occurred as the aircraft was taxiing on the runway after landing. The flight was carrying 250 passengers, including crew members.
- With inputs from agencies
