A series of bomb threats targeting Indian airlines has resulted in the diversion of flights and heightened security measures across several airports. On Tuesday, an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago carrying 211 passengers was diverted to Iqaluit Airport in Canada after a bomb threat was received via social media.
The threats, mostly posted online, affected a total of 10 flights over two days, prompting security agencies to initiate counter-terrorism drills at multiple airports. According to officials, most of the threats originated from a now-suspended account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), named "schizobomber777."
Among the affected flights were Air India Express flight IX765 from Jaipur to Bengaluru, SpiceJet flight SG116 from Darbhanga to Mumbai, and IndiGo flight 6E98 from Dammam to Lucknow. Other airlines impacted included Akasa Air, Alliance Air, and additional Air India services.
A senior police official reported that several accounts making threats had been suspended and that some of the threats appeared to have originated from outside India, including London. Investigations are ongoing, with Indian cybersecurity agencies and police working to trace those responsible.
Officials noted that while all threats received on Monday were declared hoaxes after security checks, the authorities are not taking any risks, emphasizing the importance of passenger safety.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has called for a high-level meeting to address the situation.
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