An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was diverted to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday after the airline received a bomb threat, reports news agency PTI.
The flight, which took off at approximately 2 am, was immediately redirected to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, where it is currently grounded.
All standard safety protocols are being followed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, reports India Today.
“The aircraft is currently stationed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, and all standard safety protocols are being diligently followed to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew on board,” a senior police officer told PTI.
The incident comes just days after an Air India Express Sharjah-bound flight from Tiruchirappalli experienced a mid-air technical glitch shortly after takeoff on Friday, forcing the plane to circle multiple times in the sky to reduce fuel and weight before landing safely.
Immediately after taking off, the aircraft experienced a fault related to hydraulic systems, the landing gear, the airlines said.
The quick thinking of the pilots prevented an untoward accident mid-air and saved the lives of approximately 141 passengers. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin complimented the pilots and the crew of the airship for carrying out a safe landing.
An Air India Express spokesperson said,”After reporting a technical snag, the aircraft circled multiple times in the designated area as an abundant precaution, to reduce fuel and weight considering the runway length, before making a safe precautionary landing.
“The cause of the snag will be duly investigated. In the interim, an alternative aircraft is being arranged for the onward journey of our guests. We regret the inconvenience and reiterate our commitment to prioritising safety in every aspect of our operations.”