Vistara Flight Declares Emergency Amidst Spate of Bomb Threats

A Vistara flight from Frankfurt to Mumbai declared a general emergency due to a bomb threat, marking the 20th such incident involving Indian carriers in a week. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were disembarked in an isolation bay. Union Civil Aviation Minister condemned the threats as unlawful, emphasizing their impact on aviation safety.

A Vistara flight from Frankfurt to Mumbai declared a general emergency early on October 17, 2024, due to a bomb threat, marking the 20th such incident involving Indian carriers in a week. The flight, designated UK 28, transmitted the emergency code 7700 while over Pakistan at approximately 6 am IST and safely landed at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport around 7:40 am.

Upon landing, the aircraft was directed to an isolation bay where passengers were safely disembarked. A Vistara spokesperson confirmed that the security threat was communicated through social media, prompting immediate notification of all relevant authorities as per standard protocol. The airline is fully cooperating with security agencies to conduct necessary security checks.

This week has seen a disturbing rise in bomb threats against Indian carriers, with three international flights receiving threats on Monday, followed by ten on Tuesday, and at least six more reported on Wednesday. The threats, which were later confirmed as false, have affected both major airlines and smaller regional carriers.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu expressed serious concern over these disruptive acts, condemning them as "mischievous and unlawful." He emphasized the potential danger these threats pose to aviation safety and operational integrity. In connection with the bomb threats, Mumbai Police have arrested a minor associated with threats against three flights, with ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute others involved in these incidents.

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This surge in bomb threats has raised alarms within the aviation sector, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced security measures.