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‘Lucky Escape’: Woman Missed Crashed Air India Flight by 10 Minutes

June 12, 2025, 7:26 pm

Bhoomi Chauhan narrowly escaped being on the ill-fated Air India flight AI-171, which crashed near the takeoff point at Ahmedabad on Thursday. Addressing Republic TV, Chauhan explained her reaction, disclosing, “I missed my flight by 10 minutes… my body is still shivering.”

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was traveling to London’s Gatwick Airport when it departed at 1:39 pm with 242 individuals aboard, including 230 passengers and 12 crew. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff and erupted in flames.

Air India states that the plane had 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian aboard.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the devastating news in a statement: “On 12th June, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed just after takeoff at Ahmedabad. 242 people were on board the aircraft, 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew,” stated a senior DGCA official.

A team of DGCA has been sent to the site of the crash to determine the reason behind the accident.

Bomb Threat Reported On Air India Flight From Mumbai To London Just Before Landing

October 17, 2024, 8:40 pm

Air India flight declared emergency after Mumbai-London flight received bomb threat. On the same day, five Air India flights besides two Vistara and two IndiGo flights were also exposed to bomb threats, in addition to a series of threats airlines have faced this week.

The aircraft was ‘squawking 7700,’ the indication a general emergency by the pilots. According to the website FlightRadar24, the Boeing 777 took off from Mumbai at 7:05 AM IST and went round over East England before declaring an hour ahead of the scheduled landing time at Heathrow Airport in London at 12:05 PM UK time.

As per the latest updates on FlightRadar24, the aircraft is no longer ‘squawking 7700’ and has landed safely at Heathrow. This code alerts nearby Air Traffic Controllers to the aircraft’s situation.

This bomb threat pattern has now continued for four days running and now impacts at least 20 flights. The threat came when a Vistara flight, which was coming from Frankfurt landed, and as it was received via social media, the crew went for immediate security checks. A spokesperson from Vistara said, “Vistara flight UK 028 operating from Frankfurt to Mumbai on 16 October 2024 was subject to a security threat received on social media. All relevant authorities were immediately informed.”. The aircraft safely landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai and it was evacuated to the isolation bay from where all customers had disembarked. The company is fully cooperating with the security agencies to complete the mandatory security checks. “Safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft are always paramount at Vistara”.

Meanwhile, an IndiGo flight from Istanbul to Mumbai also received a bomb threat and was isolated for a security check. The airline confirmed: “Flight 6E 18 operating from Istanbul to Mumbai received a security-related alert. The aircraft was isolated upon landing, and all passengers were evacuated safely.” It is cooperating closely with the relevant authorities, following standard operating procedures.

The Centre and civil authorities are coordinating to tackle the situation that is developing further into the crisis. The Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from the Civil Aviation Ministry regarding the incidents. The DGCA would prepare a report with input from the airlines about bomb scare incidents.

This fact led to a Parliamentary Standing Committee being summoned and followed by a meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu along with the DGCA officials. The Minister claimed, “We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that we are committed to maintaining the highest security standards; passenger safety remains our topmost priority.”.

According to sources, there have been proposals of measures to deal with such cases. Some of them are adding those making bomb threats in a flight to the ‘Unruly Passengers’ list. Airlines have proposed a five-year flying ban for offenders and also stated that offenders should be made financially liable for damages incurred on false pretences of bomb threats.

Names of people responsible for making hoax calls will be passed on to the airlines and security agencies, with the Civil Aviation Ministry planning to soon issue a revision of the guidelines. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also asked the CISF to remain extra vigilant at all airports.

Air India Flight from Delhi to Chicago diverted to Iqaluit Due to Bomb Threat

October 15, 2024, 5:55 pm

An Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit Airport in Canada on Tuesday following an online bomb threat, according to an airline official.

“Flight AI127, operating from Delhi to Chicago on October 15, 2024, received a security threat posted online. As a precaution, the aircraft was safely diverted to Iqaluit Airport, where passengers and the aircraft are currently being re-screened in accordance with security protocols,” Air India said in a statement. The airline added that it has activated support teams at the airport to assist passengers until their journey can continue.

Air India also noted that it and other airlines have recently been subjected to several threats, which were later determined to be hoaxes. However, the airline emphasized that all threats are taken seriously as part of its safety measures. “The inconvenience caused to passengers is deeply regretted,” the statement read. Air India is fully cooperating with authorities to identify those responsible for the threats and is considering legal action to recover the damages incurred.

Ministry of Civil Aviation

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has called for a high-level meeting on Wednesday in response to the recent series of bomb threats targeting airlines on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was diverted to Delhi due to a bomb threat.

In a previous statement, an Air India spokesperson confirmed that Flight AI119, operating from Mumbai to JFK on October 14, received a security alert and, following instructions from the government’s security regulatory committee, was diverted to Delhi. All passengers were safely disembarked at the Delhi airport terminal.

Security on High Alert at Delhi and Mumbai Airports After Bomb Threat on Social Media

October 14, 2024, 7:16 pm

Security agencies at Mumbai and Delhi airports were put on high alert early Monday morning after receiving bomb threats via social media, purportedly from a group claiming to be terrorists from Pakistan. The threat specifically targeted an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York (AI 119), prompting immediate action from authorities.

Details of the Threat

At 3:30 a.m., Air India received two messages on social media platform X, allegedly from a user named Fazluddin Nirban. The posts claimed that the flight, VT-AER AI 119, was carrying 6 kg of RDX along with six terrorists onboard and was set to be hijacked. The message read, “This flight will be hijacked in the next 20 minutes and will be blown up in the sky. Today India will cry. Pakistan Zindabad.”

The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) quickly declared the threat as “specific,” and the Air India flight was immediately diverted to Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi, where it landed at around 4 a.m.

Upon landing, all 239 passengers and 19 crew members were thoroughly screened, and the entire aircraft was searched. Usha Rangnani, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) at Delhi Airport, confirmed that no suspicious items were found onboard. “Following standard security protocols, a thorough inspection was conducted, and no suspicious items were found,” she said.

Air India issued a statement, ensuring passengers that their safety was the airline’s top priority. “The flight has been rescheduled to the morning of October 15,” said an Air India spokesperson, who also added that passengers were provided refreshments and would be moved to hotels after security checks were completed.

Indigo Flights Also Receive Threats

In addition to the Air India flight, two Indigo flights operating from Mumbai to Muscat and Jeddah were also targeted with similar bomb threats. The aircraft were moved to isolated bays, and mandatory security checks were conducted. No suspicious items were found in these instances either, according to an Indigo spokesperson.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the origin of these social media threats, which have since been removed from the platform.

Watch: Indian-American CEO Reveals ‘Worst’ Experience On Delhi-Bound Air India Flight

September 18, 2024, 4:04 pm

An Indian-American passenger, Anip Patel, CEO of CaPatel Investments, took to TikTok to criticize Air India for what he called his “worst” experience while flying business class from New Delhi to Chicago on a non-stop flight. Patel, who paid $6,300 for the journey, described it as a “nightmare” and claimed it was the “worst first-class cabin” he had ever encountered.

Air India has recently initiated a $400 million refurbishment program aimed at upgrading 67 of its aircraft, including 27 Airbus A320neo and 40 Boeing planes, to enhance customer experience. Patel’s experience, however, raises doubts about the airline’s promised improvements.

In his TikTok video, Patel said, “Come with me on the worst first-class cabin I ever been on,” as he showed viewers around. He pointed out various issues, from moving parts in the compartments to torn and damaged surfaces, stating, “I understand regular wear and tear but this was next level.”

Watch the video here:

#WATCH | #AirIndia's 'worst' First Class experience? Indian-American CEO slams $6300 #Chicago to #Delhi bound flight in viral video.

?: @mondayswithmohan/ TikTok pic.twitter.com/uAuT1yeh1K

— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) September 18, 2024

He further expressed frustration over the food and amenities, saying, “This was next level guyz, this was warm towel, which was served cold.” Although he acknowledged some positives, like the Ferragamo collaboration and soft pajamas, he was disappointed with the limited menu and the poor condition of the headphones. “Everything was little and broken,” Patel added.

The lack of in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi on the 15-hour flight also left him dissatisfied. He stated, “Off no entertainment. The entertainment system didn’t work the entire 15hours,” and remarked how “Everything is broken, they literally put tape on the walls.” Ending the video, Patel summarized his experience as “a nightmare.”

Air India Flight AI684 aborted after bird strike in Goa

August 14, 2024, 4:20 pm

An Air India flight AI684 from Goa’s Dabolim Airport to Mumbai experienced a bird strike during its take-off run on Wednesday morning, leading to an immediate halt of the take-off. The cockpit crew acted swiftly, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members, as confirmed by an Air India spokesperson.

Following the incident, all passengers were safely disembarked, and the aircraft was taken for a thorough inspection to assess any potential damage. Ground staff at Dabolim Airport provided full assistance to the passengers during this time.

Air India assured the passengers of their commitment to minimizing inconvenience. Alternative travel arrangements were promptly made to ensure that passengers could reach their destination as soon as possible. Additionally, Air India offered passengers the option of full refunds if they chose to cancel their flight or complimentary rescheduling to another date if they preferred.

The airline’s proactive response to the incident highlights its focus on passenger safety and customer service, ensuring that despite the disruption, passengers were well taken care of and offered flexibility in managing their travel plans.

Air India Flight to London Returns to Mumbai Due to Technical Glitch

August 14, 2024, 3:03 pm

On Wednesday, Air India flight AI129 from Mumbai to London was forced to return to Mumbai shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue. The aircraft landed safely, and precautionary checks were conducted, according to an Air India spokesperson.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused by this unexpected disruption. Alternative arrangements have been made to ensure passengers reach their destination as soon as possible,” the spokesperson stated.

Air India has also offered passengers full refunds for cancellations and complimentary rescheduling to another date if desired. “At Air India, the safety and well-being of our customers and crew is our top priority,” the spokesperson added.

Air India Flight from Goa to Mumbai Aborted After Bird Strike, Passengers Safe

August 14, 2024, 2:26 pm

An Air India flight from Goa’s Dabolim Airport to Mumbai experienced a bird strike during its take-off run on Wednesday morning, leading the cockpit crew to abort the take-off as a precautionary measure. The airline confirmed that all passengers disembarked safely following the incident.

The aircraft was immediately taken for necessary inspections, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew. Air India’s ground staff at Dabolim airport provided full support to the passengers, who were subsequently offered alternative arrangements to reach their destination as soon as possible.

In addition, the airline extended the option of full refunds to passengers who wished to cancel their journey, along with complimentary rescheduling to a later date if preferred. An Air India spokesperson emphasized that the safety of customers and crew remains the airline’s top priority.

‘Dark Forces Energised Again’ Says Canadian MP Chandra Arya

June 21, 2024, 5:43 pm

Chandra Arya, a Canadian MP of Indian origin, mentioned the 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 329 people, and warned that the ideology behind the attack persists among some in Canada. He called on everyone to join memorial services on June 23, marking the 39th anniversary of the 1985 Kanishka flight bombing by Khalistani separatists.

MP Arya commented after the Canadian Parliament observed the first death anniversary of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist, with a moment of silence in the House of Commons.

In his speech, Arya mentioned, “Recent celebration of the assassination of Hindu Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by Khalistan supporters, glorifying violence and hate, shows that the dark forces have been energized again and point to dreadful times ahead. Hindu-Canadians are rightfully concerned. I stand in solidarity with the families of the victims of Air India bombing.” The MP expressed his concern about Khalistani supporters celebrating the killing of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

While discussing the incident he said, “June 23 is the National Day for remembrance of victims of terrorism. 39 years back on this day, Air India flight 182 was blown up mid-day by a bomb planted by a Canadian Khalistani Terrorist. It killed 329 passengers and crew members and is the largest mass killing in Canadian history.”

He stated in Parliament that the recent remembrance of the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by Khalistani supporters, celebrating violence and hatred, indicate a resurgence of troubling forces and suggest challenging times ahead. He expressed solidarity with the families affected by the Air India bombing.

On June 23, 1985, Air India’s ‘Kanishka’ Flight 182 exploded and crashed 45 minutes before it was due to land at London’s Heathrow Airport. The event led to loss of all 329 lives aboard, predominantly Canadians of Indian descent. The incident was accused on Sikh militants retailiation to for ‘Operation Bluestar’.

Dubai-bound Air India Express flight faces technical glitch, Know details

July 23, 2023, 7:28 pm

According to officials, a breakdown in the aircraft’s air conditioning system occurred immediately after departure from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala on a Dubai-bound Air India Express flight carrying 174 people.

“A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight returned to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after a malfunction in the AC. The flight took off at 1:19 pm and returned at 3:52 pm,” Thiruvananthapuram International Airport revealed in a statement.

Meanwhile, all 174 passengers were safe and will be transferred to another flight to Dubai shortly.

According to Air India Express spokesperson, “IX-539 operating from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai, experienced a technical issue with the air conditioning system after take-off. The operating crew elected to carry out a precautionary landing at Thiruvananthapuram.”

“The airline promptly arranged for another aircraft to ensure a comfortable journey, accommodating all the guests for the rescheduled departure at 18:00 hours,” they added.

Air India Express is committed to provide a secure, dependable, and comfortable travel experience for all guests and apologises for any inconvenience caused by the delay, according to the company.

Air India: Delhi Police register case over threatening hijacking call of flight to Tel Aviv

July 16, 2023, 1:32 pm

On July 13, a call to an Air India call center in Pune threatened the hijacking of an aircraft from Delhi to Tel Aviv, according to Delhi Police.

According to investigators, the person who made the call overheard someone else suggesting that a flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv would be hijacked. According to the FIR filed with the Delhi Police, a call was received at the Air India call center in Pune at 6.05 a.m. on July 13. The caller, who identified himself as Anurag from Assam, stated that she overheard someone discussing the hijacking of the Delhi-Tel Aviv airplane.

“Following the call thrtening the hijacking of an Air India Delhi-Tel Avivi flight, a meeting of the BTAC (Bomb Threat Assessment Committee) was convened at Guwahati airport and a special security committee also met over it from 9.16 am to 11.15 am, on 13 July,” the FIR copy mentioned.

Furthermore, nothing unusual has been discovered in the inquiry into the threat call thus far, according to Delhi Police, who added that the investigation was still ongoing.
According to authorities, the case was filed at the IGI Airport authorities Station under sections 82,341,505(1)(b),507 of the IPC.

Air India Urination Incident: Air India CEO apologizes; crew, pilot de-rostered

January 7, 2023, 3:05 pm

Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson on Saturday issued an apology in connection with a man who allegedly peed at an elderly woman traveling in business class on an Air India flight on 26 November 2022.

Meanwhile, the airline has also issued show cause notices to four of its cabin crew and one pilot and de-rostered them pending investigations.

Moreover, CEO Campbell Wilson issued a statement and said, “any improper behavior on board to authorities at the earliest even if the matter appears to be resolved”.

CEO Wilson in the letter to Air India employees stated that necessary actions against those people who will not follow the flight rules will be taken.

“This week has, ‘regrettably’, been dominated by media headlines of which you are no doubt familiar. The repulsion felt by the affected passenger is totally understandable and we share her distress,” Campbell said.

“Whilst the story is more complicated than has been reported, there are clearly some lessons we can and must learn. Most importantly is that, if an incident on our aircraft involves improper behavior of such magnitude, we must report it to authorities at the earliest opportunity, even if we genuinely believe that the matter has been settled between the parties involved. The same applies in the case of passengers deemed to meet the threshold of ‘Unruly’,” the letter reads.

“We must also be clear on the standard of behavior that is expected on our aircraft and take firm, decisive, and timely action against those who do not comply,” Campbell said.

The CEO further stated, “Though there are numerous cases in which we have done exactly this, I have asked that these, and other relevant aspects of the Safety and Emergency Procedures Manual, be immediately reiterated by operating departments and reinforced in recurrent training, and I ask each of you to reflect on what you would do if faced with such situations. As in any other area, knowledge and preparation underpin confidence and outcome.”

Earlier on Friday Shankar Mishra was arrested by the Delhi Police from Bengaluru.

US-based financial service company Wells Fargo where Shankar Mishra used to work they have terminated him.

“Wells Fargo holds employees to the highest standards of professional and personal behaviors and we find these allegations deeply disturbing. This individual has been terminated from Wells Fargo. We are cooperating with law enforcement and ask that any additional inquiries be directed to them,” the company stated.

However, on 4 January against the accused FIR was registered by the woman co-passenger to Air India.