An IndiGo flight scheduled for Lucknow (6E 5264) faced delays at Mumbai airport when a passenger claimed a bomb was planted under his seat. The incident occurred on the evening of January 26, during heightened security measures on Republic Day. Mumbai police and airport authorities promptly intervened, halting the flight to conduct a thorough inspection.
Upon investigation, security forces found no suspicious objects inside the aircraft, dismissing the bomb threat as a false claim. Despite the delay, passengers were assured of their safety.
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The 27-year-old passenger who made the false bomb claim has been detained by the police. A case has been registered against him under sections 506(2) and 505(1)(B) of the Indian Penal Code. The motive behind the false claim is under investigation.
In a parallel incident, SpiceJet's Darbhanga-bound flight (SG 8496) faced a bomb threat received by the airline's reservation office. Subsequent to a massive search operation at Delhi airport, the threat was declared a hoax. Passengers were safely deplaned, and the aircraft underwent a thorough inspection by security agencies, confirming no credible danger.
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These incidents underscore the challenges faced by aviation authorities in dealing with false bomb threats. Despite the inconvenience caused by delayed flights, security measures remain paramount to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent potential disruptions. Authorities continue to investigate the motives behind such hoax threats to maintain the integrity of air travel security.