On June 13, 2025, Air India Flight AI379, operating an Airbus A320 from Phuket, Thailand to New Delhi, India, was compelled to make an emergency landing back at Phuket International Airport after a bomb threat was reported onboard. The aircraft had departed at 9:30 a.m. local time and was en route over the Andaman Sea when the crew received a threatening message, prompting immediate action.
Upon receiving the threat, the pilot contacted air traffic control and initiated a return to Phuket, adhering to established emergency protocols. The aircraft landed safely, and all 156 passengers were evacuated without incident. Thai authorities conducted a thorough search of the aircraft and luggage; no explosives were found. An investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the threat.
This incident occurred just a day after the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which resulted in over 240 fatalities. The proximity of these events has heightened concerns over aviation security and the frequency of bomb threats targeting Indian airlines.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in hoax bomb threats against Indian airlines and airports, with nearly 1,000 such incidents reported in the first ten months of the previous year—ten times higher than in 2023.
Authorities continue to investigate these threats to ensure the safety and security of air travel.
Air India has yet to release an official statement regarding the AI379 incident. Passengers were provided with accommodations and are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements.
As investigations proceed, this event underscores the critical importance of stringent security measures and rapid response protocols in aviation to protect passengers and crew from potential threats.