By Ella Michaels
An Air India flight en route to New Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing in Phuket on Friday morning after a bomb threat note was discovered onboard. Flight AI 379 had just taken off from Phuket International Airport when a crew member found a handwritten message in one of the aircraft's lavatories. The note, containing a bomb threat, immediately prompted the pilot to alert air traffic control and request an emergency return.
*The Emergency Landing*
The Airbus A320, carrying 156 passengers and crew, landed safely back in Phuket at around 11:30 a.m. Emergency crews were on standby as the aircraft taxied to a remote stand. All passengers were evacuated calmly and safely, with no injuries reported.
*Investigation Underway*
Bomb squads and airport security teams carried out a full inspection of the plane. After several hours of thorough checks, no explosive device was found. Authorities later confirmed the threat was a hoax. Three passengers were briefly questioned based on initial investigations, but no one has been charged, and the case remains under review.
*Forensic Analysis*
Forensic teams are examining the note for fingerprints and handwriting analysis to help identify the source. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the hoax.
*Air India Response*
Air India arranged a replacement aircraft, and by late afternoon, passengers resumed their journey to New Delhi. The airline issued a statement thanking the passengers for their cooperation and confirming that it is working closely with both Thai and Indian authorities to assist in the investigation.
*A Growing Concern*
This incident is part of a growing pattern. Indian airlines have seen a sharp rise in fake bomb threats this year, with nearly 1,000 reported cases so far in 2025 — a dramatic increase compared to previous years. It also comes just one day after a tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed more than 240 lives. While officials stress there is no connection between the two events, concerns over aviation safety have been heightened.
*Phuket International Airport Remains Operational*
Phuket International Airport remained fully operational throughout the incident, and authorities praised the swift response of the crew and emergency teams in ensuring everyone's safety.
*Passengers' Safety Ensured*
The safety of the passengers was the top priority, and the emergency response team did an excellent job in handling the situation. The passengers were evacuated safely, and no one was injured.
*Aviation Safety Concerns*
The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety, and authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
*Investigation Update*
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the person responsible for the hoax. The airline and airport authorities are cooperating fully with the investigation.
*Conclusion*
The emergency landing of the Air India flight in Phuket highlights the importance of aviation safety and security. While the threat was deemed a hoax, it still caused significant disruption and anxiety for the passengers and crew. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities will work to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
*Safety Measures*
The incident highlights the importance of safety measures in aviation. The emergency response team and airport authorities did an excellent job in handling the situation, and their swift response ensured the safety of all on board.
*Airline Response*
The airline's response to the incident was prompt and efficient. They arranged a replacement aircraft, and passengers were able to resume their journey with minimal disruption.
*Passengers' Reaction*
The passengers on board the flight were understandably shaken by the incident. However, they were evacuated safely, and no one was injured. The airline and airport authorities provided support and assistance to the passengers throughout the ordeal.
*Aviation Industry Concerns*
The incident is a concern for the aviation industry, and authorities are taking all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The investigation will help identify the root cause of the incident and implement measures to prevent similar incidents.
*Conclusion*
The emergency landing of the Air India flight in Phuket is a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and security. The incident highlights the need for swift and efficient response to emergencies and the importance of cooperation between authorities and airlines.
