On June 13, Air India flight AI 379, en route from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi, India, was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff due to a bomb threat discovered on board. The flight, carrying 156 passengers, returned safely to Phuket International Airport after spending nearly an hour circling above the Andaman Sea, according to flight-tracking data.
The bomb threat came to light when a suspicious message was found scrawled on a bathroom wall inside the aircraft, according to Phuket International Airport officials. The flight, which had departed Phuket at 9:30 AM local time (0230 GMT), was already airborne when the threat was discovered, prompting the pilot to immediately alert air traffic control and request permission for an emergency return.
In response, Phuket International Airport activated Chapter 3 of its Airport Contingency Plan (ACP) — the standard operating procedure for managing bomb threats. Airport authorities, in collaboration with local security forces and aviation safety units, executed a coordinated emergency landing and swiftly evacuated all passengers and crew from the aircraft.
“The safety of passengers is our utmost priority,” stated an official from Airports of Thailand (AOT). “All protocols were followed as per international aviation safety norms, and passengers were escorted off the aircraft as soon as it landed.”
According to a statement, authorities have so far not found any explosive device aboard the aircraft after conducting a preliminary sweep. “Further investigations and a thorough inspection of the aircraft are underway,” said a spokesperson from Thailand’s Transport Ministry.
Data from Flightradar24, a global flight-tracking service, showed the Air India aircraft making a broad circular path above the Andaman Sea, consistent with standard protocols that dictate avoiding densely populated areas when a bomb threat is suspected. The aircraft was then guided back to Phuket, where emergency services were on high alert.
While no injuries were reported, passengers described the tense moments aboard the aircraft before landing. “There was panic when the announcement was made, but the crew remained professional and calm,” said one passenger who wished to remain anonymous. The passenger also confirmed that the cabin crew was quick to follow emergency protocols, instructing passengers to remain seated and composed.
As of this report, Air India has not issued an official statement regarding the bomb threat or the condition of the aircraft post-landing. The airline is expected to coordinate with Thai authorities and Indian aviation security agencies to investigate the incident further.
The incident comes in the wake of a tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, where a flight carrying over 240 people crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of more than 200 people.
