An Air India flight bound for London from Cochin International Airport (CIAL) received a bomb threat on June 25, triggering extensive security checks on the aircraft. According to a PTI report citing an airport official, the threat led to a thorough investigation of the aircraft by security personnel. Thankfully, no explosives were found, confirming there was no immediate danger. The flight was subsequently cleared for departure as scheduled.
The bomb threat was received by the Air India call center in Mumbai early on June 25, concerning flight AI 149. The alert was immediately communicated to the Air India office in Cochin and the airport at 1.22 am. Following established protocols, a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) was convened at CIAL. The threat was assessed and deemed specific, prompting immediate action. The Airport Security Group (ASG-CISF), airline security personnel, and inline baggage screening systems conducted thorough security checks, and the aircraft was moved to an isolated parking point as per the BTAC’s recommendations.
Meanwhile, efforts were made to identify the caller who reported the threat to the Mumbai call center. Authorities identified the caller as Suhaib, a 29-year-old native of Kondotty in Malappuram district of Kerala. Notably, Suhaib was scheduled to travel on the flight with his wife and daughter. He was apprehended by the ASG at Cochin Airport’s international departure terminal during check-in. The spokesperson stated that Suhaib has been handed over to the police for further questioning and legal action.
Despite the incident, the thorough security checks and swift response from the authorities ensured the safety of passengers and crew. The aircraft was thoroughly checked and cleared for flight, with the check-in process completed by 10:30 am, allowing for an on-schedule departure at 11:50 am. The incident highlights the importance of robust security measures and swift responses to potential threats in the aviation industry.
