A scheduled Air India flight returning from Bali to Mumbai returns safely to the island due to a bomb threat.
An Air India flight traveling from Bali, Indonesia, to Mumbai, India, was forced to return to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali on October 26, 2023, following reports of a bomb threat.
The aircraft, carrying 213 passengers and crew, received the alert shortly after takeoff.
The flight, designated AI 197, had ascended to an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet when the decision was made to turn back.
Upon landing, the plane was met by security personnel, who conducted thorough investigations both on board and at the airport.
Passengers were evacuated safely, and there were no reported injuries.
Authorities traced the bomb threat to a call made to the airline, which led to heightened security measures being implemented.
Air India has announced it is cooperating fully with the Indonesian authorities as they investigate the incident.
The airline has also assured passengers that their safety is the top priority.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding airline security, particularly in the context of rising global travel as restrictions ease post-pandemic.
This event marks another instance of bomb threats affecting aviation, drawing attention to the need for robust security protocols in the air travel industry.
Ngurah Rai International Airport, a key hub for international travel in the region, temporarily increased security efforts in light of the threat.
Travelers were advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Air India has a well-established presence in Southeast Asia, and the airline has been increasing its operational routes as demand for air travel continues to rise in the post-
COVID landscape.
This incident may prompt a review of security measures across airlines operating in the region.