Law enforcement agencies are currently probing an alleged bomb threat on an international flight that landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Monday. This incident is part of a larger trend, as there has been an uptick in hoax bomb threats targeting Indian flights recently.
The police report that a bomb threat letter was discovered on an IndiGo flight arriving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia around 9:30 am. The letter was found during a routine security check after all passengers had deboarded the aircraft.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sharad Singhal stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway involving the Ahmedabad City Police, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to assess the threat's credibility and seriousness. Meanwhile, passengers of the aircraft were asked to remain available for further inquiries.
In 2024, bomb threats have surged, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation noting 728 threats reported, 714 of which involved domestic carriers. In response, the Indian government has enacted detailed procedures under the Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP) to manage and mitigate such situations effectively.