Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi makes emergency landing after bomb threat

An Air India flight en route from Phuket to New Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing on Friday, 13 June 2025, after a bomb threat was reported on board. Flight AI 379 had departed Phuket International Airport at 9.30am local time with 156 passengers on board.

Shortly after take-off, the aircraft turned back while flying over the Andaman Sea and returned to Phuket under emergency procedures. Airports of Thailand (AOT), which manages Phuket International Airport, confirmed that the landing was carried out safely. All passengers were promptly evacuated.

AOT said in a statement that “standard safety protocols were followed” and that emergency teams had been activated immediately once the threat was communicated by the flight crew. The airport authority confirmed that no explosives had been discovered in the initial round of security checks.

However, officials disclosed that a handwritten note indicating a bomb threat was recovered during the inspection. The passenger who found the note has been questioned by investigators. Authorities have not released details about the contents of the note or whether a suspect has been identified.

Thailand’s Transport Ministry also confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe. Airport operations at Phuket resumed with heightened security checks following the incident. “The safety of passengers is our top priority, and all measures were taken to ensure security at Phuket International Airport,” the ministry said.

Security personnel continued to search the aircraft and surrounding areas after the landing. Local media reported that bomb disposal teams were deployed to ensure no hazardous materials were left undiscovered. Further investigations are being coordinated between Thai aviation authorities and law enforcement agencies.

While no explosives were found, the discovery of the threat note has heightened concerns over aviation security in the region. Officials have not disclosed whether the threat was linked to a passenger or placed on board before departure.

Air India has not issued a detailed statement beyond confirming that the aircraft landed safely and that all passengers were provided with assistance during the evacuation process. The airline said it was cooperating fully with Thai authorities in the investigation.

Passengers were held at the terminal for questioning before being transferred to alternative flights. Some reported confusion but expressed relief at the safe outcome. Social media posts from those on board described the cabin crew as “calm and professional” in managing the evacuation.

Incidents of bomb threats on commercial aircraft, though rare, typically prompt immediate diversions or emergency landings as part of international safety protocols. Aviation experts note that while the majority of such threats turn out to be false alarms, every case is treated as credible until proven otherwise.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires airports and airlines to maintain rigorous contingency plans for suspected sabotage. Emergency landings, passenger evacuations, and coordinated bomb sweeps are standard parts of this response.

Thai police have not provided a timeline for concluding the investigation. Officials said additional security screenings would be implemented at Phuket International Airport in the coming days to reassure travellers.

As checks continue, passengers affected by the disruption are being accommodated on alternative services to New Delhi and other connecting flights. Both Thai and Indian authorities are expected to share updates once the investigation is complete.