Air India Flight from Phuket to Delhi Makes Emergency Landing After Bomb Threat Hoax

An Air India flight en route from Phuket, Thailand to New Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing on Thursday, June 13, 2025, after a bomb threat note was discovered onboard. The flight, identified as AI379 and operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, had departed from Phuket International Airport at 9:30 am local time. The bomb threat note was reportedly found in the aircraft’s lavatory shortly after takeoff, leading to a swift response from the flight crew.

Upon discovery of the threat, the pilot alerted air traffic control and opted to return to Phuket as a precautionary measure. The aircraft, carrying 156 passengers and crew members, circled briefly over the Andaman Sea before safely landing back at Phuket airport. Once on the ground, all passengers were safely evacuated, and the aircraft underwent a comprehensive security sweep by Thai authorities.

The bomb disposal unit and airport security conducted a thorough search of the aircraft but found no explosives. Following the inspection, the threat was declared a hoax. Initial investigations involved questioning several passengers, but no suspects were ultimately identified. Air India confirmed that three individuals were briefly considered suspicious but were soon cleared by authorities.

This incident came just one day after a tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 241 people, amplifying public anxiety and concern over aviation safety. The close timing of the two events raised alarms, although they were not connected.

The bomb threat is part of a troubling trend, as Indian aviation authorities have reported a sharp rise in false threats. In 2024 alone, nearly 1,000 bomb hoaxes were recorded, marking a tenfold increase over the previous year.

Despite the disruption, Air India’s swift action ensured the safety of all onboard, and airport protocols were effectively followed. Authorities continue to investigate the origin of the bomb threat note.