Bomb scare forces emergency diversion of Air India’s Chicago-bound flight

An Air India flight (AI127) scheduled to travel from New Delhi to Chicago on 15th October 2024 was suddenly diverted to Canada following a bomb threat. The aircraft, carrying 211 passengers and crew members, was forced to land at Iqaluit Airport in Canada as authorities reacted to a security alert issued via social media. The airline immediately responded to the threat, ensuring that safety protocols were followed without delay.

According to sources, the threat was communicated through an anonymous social media account, prompting Air India’s security team to take decisive action. The crew and passengers were deplaned, and the aircraft underwent a thorough inspection by Canadian law enforcement agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Iqaluit Airport, a small regional airport in Canada, became the unexpected destination as security personnel combed through the plane and baggage in accordance with international aviation safety procedures.

Bomb Threats Target Multiple Indian Airlines

The bomb threat that led to the diversion of the Air India flight was not an isolated incident. Three other Indian airlines—Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air—were also targeted with similar threats on the same day. These threats were traced back to the same unverified social media handle. The targeted flights included an Air India Express flight from Jaipur to Bengaluru, a SpiceJet aircraft flying from Darbhanga to Mumbai, and an Akasa Air flight from Siliguri to Bengaluru.

Each of these aircraft was grounded and inspected as a precaution. Authorities have heightened security measures across India’s major airports, especially at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, to mitigate any potential risks posed by such threats.

Air India’s Response to the Bomb Threats

Air India released a statement acknowledging the threats and apologised to passengers for the disruption. The airline noted that although recent threats have consistently been false alarms, they have a responsibility to ensure passenger safety by treating every threat as a credible risk. The company also revealed that they are collaborating with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to identify and apprehend the individuals behind these incidents.

The airline indicated its intent to pursue legal action against the perpetrators to claim damages and recover costs incurred due to the flight diversions and heightened security measures. Air India emphasised that such actions are crucial to deter further hoax threats that disrupt operations and inconvenience passengers.

Expert Analysis: Heightened Threats in the Aviation Sector

Security experts have highlighted the impact of these threats on the aviation sector. He noted that the global rise in digital threats targeting airlines signifies a shift in how malicious actors operate. They explained that while many of these threats are often hoaxes, they force airlines and governments to invest substantial resources into emergency measures, inspections, and rerouting, creating widespread disruptions and financial losses.

The experts suggested that Indian airlines need to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks to detect and neutralise threats before they escalate. It is also recommended that authorities continue to develop international partnerships, such as the one demonstrated between Air India and Canadian agencies, to manage these situations swiftly.

Impact on Air India’s Business and Stock Sentiment

Although Air India is not publicly listed and thus unaffected directly in terms of stock prices, its operations and reputation are undeniably impacted. Frequent security threats and subsequent diversions can erode passenger confidence and damage the airline’s brand image. For Air India, which has been in the spotlight for its recent acquisition by Tata Group, such incidents present additional challenges as the company works to restore its legacy and regain market share.