An Air India Express flight to Varanasi on Wednesday received a bomb threat, prompting the airline to immediately alert the government-appointed Bomb Threat Assessment Committee.
"One of our flights to Varanasi received a security threat. In line with protocol, the was immediately alerted, and all necessary security procedures promptly initiated," an Air India Express spokesperson stated.
"The flight landed safely, and all guests have been disembarked. The aircraft will be released for operations once all mandated security checks are completed," the statement further read.
According to sources, IndiGo also received security-related concerns for five major airports - Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram. The security threat was received digitally.
Sources said that alternative digital methods, rather than email, were used to deliver the threat, which was flagged this afternoon.
The development comes days after a nationwide security alert was declared after a car explosion near Red Fort metro station in Delhi claimed 12 lives, prompting authorities to tighten safety at major transit points including airports, railway stations, and metro networks. The blast, which occurred two days ago, led to increased vigilance across the national capital and other regions.
Police seized 2,900 kilograms of explosives in an operation spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Officials described the network as a “white-collar terror module,” linking it to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.
As a direct response to the attack, security protocols at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were further intensified. The airport operator, DIAL, released an advisory cautioning passengers that, “the security screening process is likely to take longer in view of the prevailing situation.” Travellers have been encouraged to arrive earlier than usual for their flights.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and enhanced security measures remain in effect at all major transportation centres across the country. Investigations into the blast and the associated terror activities are ongoing, with officials maintaining a high level of alert.
Source: India Today