DELHI- An Air India (AI) flight operating from Birmingham (BHX) to Delhi (DEL) was diverted to Riyadh (RUH) on Sunday following a bomb threat mid-flight.
Flight AI114, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed Birmingham at 20:26 local time and was en route to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) when the incident prompted an emergency landing at King Khalid International Airport (RUH).
Photo: FlightRadar24Air India AI114 Gets Bomb Threat
The Air India (AI) flight, operating on the Birmingham–Delhi route, was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Riyadh due to a bomb threat received while airborne. Flight tracking data confirmed the Boeing 787’s departure from Birmingham at 20:26 before altering course toward Riyadh.
Upon landing at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), all passengers on board were safely deplaned. According to an official Air India statement, a comprehensive security check was conducted, confirming that no explosive devices were found onboard.
The airline expressed regret over the disruption, stating, “The inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption is sincerely regretted. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destinations.” Passengers were provided with hotel accommodations as part of the contingency plan.
Photo: Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalEmergency Protocol and Passenger Support
Air India followed standard aviation security protocols, coordinating with local authorities in Riyadh to handle the situation. Emergency services and bomb disposal squads carried out detailed inspections of the aircraft and passenger baggage.
All passengers were reported safe, with no injuries or distress incidents. The airline provided necessary support, including meals and overnight lodging, while working on alternative travel options to Delhi.
While no explosives were found, local and international aviation security agencies are likely to launch a formal investigation to trace the origin of the threat.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalSimilar Incidents
Air India Lavatory Bomb Threat
On June 13, Air India flight AI379, an Airbus A320 with 156 passengers, departed Phuket International Airport (HKT) for New Delhi (DEL). Midway over the Andaman Sea, crew members discovered a bomb threat note scrawled on the lavatory wall.
The aircraft was placed on a holding pattern while emergency measures were activated, and it safely returned to Phuket.
Upon landing, Thai airport authorities thoroughly searched the aircraft. No explosive materials or suspicious items were found. Officials later confirmed the bomb threat was a hoax, but an investigation is ongoing.
Photo: Harsh Tekriwal | AvgeekwithLensIndiGo Bomb Threat
A few days later, on June 17, IndiGo received a separate threat involving flight 6E, operating from Cochin International Airport (COK) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), with an earlier leg from Muscat International Airport (MCT).
Cochin Airport authorities received a bomb threat via email, prompting the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee to classify the threat as “specific.”
The aircraft, carrying 157 passengers and six crew, was diverted to Nagpur Airport (NAG) where security teams conducted extensive inspections. The threat was later determined to be false, but operations were delayed for several hours.
Disruption to Mumbai-New York Flight
A similar bomb threat was reported on March 10, 2025, involving Air India flight AI119 from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The Boeing 777-300ER, with 322 people onboard, returned to Mumbai after a passenger found a note in the lavatory stating, “There is a bomb on the flight.”
The flight landed safely by 10:25 AM IST, and security personnel launched a full inspection. No suspicious items were found. The Mumbai police registered a case against an unknown person and began an investigation.
Air India rescheduled the flight for the following day, providing accommodations and support to affected passengers.
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IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Mumbai After Bomb Threat
The post Air India Birmingham to Delhi Flight with 787 Gets Bomb Threat appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
