New Delhi – A Vistara flight bound for London from Delhi was diverted to Frankfurt on Friday night after receiving a bomb threat, adding to a troubling trend of security alerts impacting Indian airlines. The incident is part of a disturbing pattern, as nearly 40 flights operated by Indian carriers have recently faced similar threats that were later confirmed to be hoaxes. The Vistara flight, identified as UK17, was forced to change its course after a security threat surfaced on social media. An airline spokesperson confirmed early Saturday that the aircraft landed safely at Frankfurt Airport, where mandatory security checks are currently underway.
"The flight will continue to its destination once cleared by the security agencies," the spokesperson stated, emphasizing the airline's commitment to passenger safety. In response to the threat, the pilots acted in accordance with established protocols, promptly informing relevant authorities and ensuring the safety of all onboard. Meanwhile, another Indian airline, Akasa Air, reported a security alert involving its flight QP 1366, scheduled to depart from Bengaluru to Mumbai. The airline announced that all passengers were deplaned as local authorities conducted necessary safety procedures before the flight could take off.
"We request your understanding as our team on ground did everything possible to reduce inconvenience," the airline said in a post on social media platform X. The trend of bomb threats directed at Indian flights has raised significant concerns within the aviation sector. In light of these incidents, the Civil Aviation Ministry is taking action to bolster security measures. Plans are underway to implement strict regulations aimed at preventing hoax threats, including placing individuals responsible for such threats on a no-fly list. As the investigation continues into the recent spate of threats, airlines and passengers alike are left grappling with the heightened anxiety surrounding air travel in India.
