PHUKET – On June 13, Flight AI 379, operated by Air India, departed Phuket at 9:30 a.m. local time en route to New Delhi. Moments after takeoff, crew received a bomb-threat note discovered in a lavatory. The Airbus A321/A320 (reported variously) circled to burn fuel before making a precautionary return to Phuket International Airport, according to Reuters. All 156 passengers and 8 crew were evacuated safely; no explosive device was found. Thai authorities report that three initial suspects were questioned but later cleared.
A Surge in Hoax Threats against Indian Carriers
This incident underscores a growing trend: Indian airlines were inundated by nearly 1,000 hoax bomb threats during the first ten months of 2025—almost ten times the number reported in 2023. As a direct consequence, airports and carriers have intensified security protocols to mitigate such risks.
Back-to-Back Crises: Boeing 787 Tragedy
The emergency landing unfolded just 24 hours after the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, shortly after departing Ahmedabad on June 12. The aircraft was en route to London Gatwick when it crashed into a medical college hostel, killing 241 individuals on board and at least 38 on the ground.
- Only one passenger, a British-Indian man identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived with minor injuries.
- Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, plus numerous individuals in the medical college.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
In response to the crash, India’s aviation regulator DGCA has launched comprehensive inspections of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, including reviews of takeoff data, recent technical logs, and GE engine Dreamliners. A black box has been recovered—providing critical insights—and multinational teams from India, Boeing, GE, and regulatory bodies are collaborating on the probe.
Public Anxiety and Regulatory Response
These two back-to-back incidents—first a major crash, then a bomb scare—have shaken public trust in Indian aviation. Travel agencies report postponed bookings, and some travelers are seeking alternatives, citing safety concerns amid escalating threats and technical uncertainty . Meanwhile, regulators emphasize that there has been no grounding of aircraft, though additional security and maintenance protocols are now in effect.
Investigations continue
- Bomb-threat response: Investigations continue to identify the author of the threat note aboard Flight AI 379. Phuket Airport remains operational, reinforcing vigilance patterns.
- Crash investigation: The DGCA and international partners intend to finalize their findings on the AhmedÂabad crash—likely examining engine systems, flap configuration, and pilot inputs.
- Safety assurances: Air India and regulatory authorities reiterate that enhanced inspections, stricter preventive measures, and intensified crew training aim to avoid similar incidents in the future.
(zai) – Photo: Air India