Air India flight horror as plane forced to divert after bomb threat

The plane was evacuated after it made an emergency landing

An Air India flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a hoax bomb threat. The flight from Delhi, India, was heading to Chicago, USA, when it made an unplanned diversion.

The Boeing 777 landed at Iqaluit Airport, Canada, after the possible security threat came to light. The plane was evacuated, with passengers re-screened earlier today (Tuesday, October 15).

It is understood a bomb disposal unit entered the plane after it landed. Air India confirmed it received the bomb threat on social media.

READ MORE: Foreign Office Caribbean travel warning as UK tourists told to 'avoid areas'

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.

Air India said in a statement: "'Flight AI127 operating from Delhi to Chicago on October 15, 2024, was the subject of a security threat posted online, and as a precautionary measure, had landed at Iqaluit Airport in Canada. The aircraft and passengers are being re-screened as per the laid down security protocol.

"Air India has activated agencies at the airport to assist the passengers until such time that their journey can resume. Air India notes that it, and other local airlines, have been subject to a number of threats in recent days.

"Though all have subsequently been found to be hoaxes, as a responsible airline operator all threats are taken seriously. The inconvenience is sincerely regretted.

"Air Indian is extending all cooperation to authorities in identifying the perpetrators of such threats to ensure that they are held accountable for the disruption and inconvenience caused to passengers and will consider legal action against those responsible to recover damages incurred by the airline."

According to the Times of India, the Air India flight was one of five flights targeted. Other airlines which received hoax threats included SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Indigo.