Bomb threat diverts Delhi-Chicago flight to Iqaluit airport, investigations underway

While most of these cases turned out to be hoaxes, they caused significant disruptions to air travel and prompted a reassessment of airline safety protocols.

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This incident echoes similar threats to international flights in recent years. In January 2023, an Iran-bound flight was diverted to Mumbai after a bomb scare. (Pinterest/Representative Image)

New Delhi: A bomb threat targeting a Delhi-Chicago flight forced the aircraft to divert to Iqaluit Airport in Canada on Tuesday. The flight, operated by an Indian airline, was en route to Chicago when the threat was reported, leading to an emergency landing at the remote airport in Canada’s northernmost region. The incident, has heightened concerns over aviation security.

Emergency landing in Iqaluit

Upon receiving the bomb threat, the flight’s crew immediately coordinated with aviation authorities, diverting the plane to Iqaluit, a small airport located on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. Local emergency services and law enforcement teams were swiftly deployed to manage the situation and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members on board.

According to sources, a thorough search of the plane was conducted after landing, although no explosives or suspicious materials were found. The passengers were safely deboarded while investigations continued.

Previous bomb threats on flights

This incident echoes similar threats to international flights in recent years. In January 2023, an Iran-bound flight was diverted to Mumbai after a bomb scare. Similarly, in July 2022, a flight from Delhi to London received a bomb threat, prompting a mid-air security alert. While most of these cases turned out to be hoaxes, they caused significant disruptions to air travel and prompted a reassessment of airline safety protocols.

Increased vigilance in aviation security

Authorities are once again stressing the need for heightened vigilance and quick response protocols when dealing with such threats. While bomb scares can lead to panic, they also highlight the importance of robust safety measures within international aviation systems.