Bomb Threat Hoax on London-Bound Air India Flight Averted

A London-bound Air India flight received a bomb threat hoax, leading to the detention of a 29-year-old man. Security checks cleared the aircraft, allowing the flight to proceed as scheduled. Investigations revealed the call was made by a passenger, who has been handed over to authorities.

An Air India flight to London faced a bomb threat on Tuesday that turned out to be a hoax. Authorities have apprehended a 29-year-old man suspected of making the call, an official said.

The Cochin International Airport spokesperson stated that extensive security checks on the aircraft found no danger, allowing the flight to proceed as planned. Air India’s call center in Mumbai received the bomb threat early Tuesday for flight AI 149, scheduled to fly from Cochin to London Gatwick.

A Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) at Cochin Airport declared the threat specific, prompting a thorough security sweep. The aircraft was eventually moved to a secure parking point and cleared for departure. The flight, initially scheduled to leave at 11:50 AM, departed at 1:25 PM. Authorities identified the caller as Suhaib (29) from Malappuram district, who was intercepted at the airport along with his family.