An Air India Express flight traveling from Daman in Saudi Arabia to New Delhi made an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Monday afternoon after a crew member found a handwritten note containing the word “bomb” onboard. All 32 passengers were evacuated safely, and an initial security search found no explosives or suspicious material.
What Happened
The flight departed Daman around 10:25 AM IST bound for New Delhi. During the flight, a crew member discovered a note, handwritten in English on a piece of tissue paper, warning of a bomb. The pilot informed authorities and requested emergency landing clearance. The aircraft landed at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at around 4:20 PM IST and was taken to an isolated bay away from the terminal building as a safety measure.
Passengers Safe, No Explosives Found
All 32 passengers onboard were evacuated by bus to the terminal without injury. CISF, the fire brigade, a bomb disposal squad, and dog squads searched the cabin, seats, cargo hold, and luggage. According to News, no suspicious or explosive material was found during the initial search.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are now working to identify who wrote the note and how it ended up onboard. Gujarat Samachar reports that handwriting samples are being collected from passengers for comparison. Neither Air India Express nor airport security has released the full text of the note or confirmed whether the threat was a hoax.
Why It Landed in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a common diversion point for flights on the Gulf to North India corridor when a crew needs the nearest suitable runway. Under standard global aviation protocol, any report of a possible bomb onboard, whether it later turns out to be credible or not, requires an immediate diversion and full security sweep. That is a routine, safety first procedure followed by airlines everywhere, not a sign that the threat was confirmed.
FAQs
Which flight was involved?
An Air India Express flight traveling from Daman, Saudi Arabia to New Delhi.
Was anyone hurt?
No injuries have been reported. All 32 passengers were evacuated safely.
Were explosives found on the plane?
No. Security teams completed an initial search of the cabin, cargo hold, and luggage and found no suspicious or explosive material.
What happens to the passengers now?
Passengers were moved to the terminal building while the investigation continues. Onward travel would typically follow standard airline procedure once security teams fully clear the aircraft.
Is this incident still being investigated?
Yes. Authorities are working to identify who wrote the note and how it came to be on the flight.
