A bomb threat aboard an Air India flight from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram triggered a full-scale emergency at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Thursday morning.
The incident unfolded after a chilling message, "Bomb in flight," was discovered scrawled on tissue paper in the aircraft's washroom, prompting immediate action from the flight crew.
The pilot, upon discovering the threat, promptly alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) as the plane neared its destination.
Airport sources confirmed that the alert was raised at 7:30 am, leading to a full emergency declaration at 7:36 am.
The flight, AI 657, carrying 135 passengers, landed safely at Thiruvananthapuram around 8 am and was swiftly moved to an isolation bay.
Passengers were safely evacuated by 8:44 am, while security agencies, including a bomb detection squad, thoroughly inspected the aircraft.
Authorities are leaving no stone unturned as they investigate the origins of the threat. Passengers, meanwhile, are anxiously awaiting the release of their luggage as the inspection continues.
In a statement, Air India pointed out that all security protocols were rigorously followed.
"The crew carried out all the laid down security drills, keeping passenger safety as the top priority. All passengers and crew disembarked safely," an Air India spokesperson said.
Despite the tension, airport operations remain unaffected.
"There has been no impact on life. Airport operations are currently uninterrupted," an official confirmed.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew.
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