Phuket, Thailand : June 13, 2025
An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi made an emergency landing on Friday morning after a bomb threat was reported onboard. The flight, AI 379, which had 156 passengers, landed back at Phuket International Airport as a precaution. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were evacuated safely and no bomb was found during the investigation.
What Happened on Flight AI 379?
Flight AI 379 took off from Phuket International Airport at around 9:30 AM local time. The aircraft was en route to Delhi, India, when the airline received a bomb threat. According to airport officials in Thailand, the threat was taken seriously and emergency protocols were activated.
The aircraft did not continue on its planned route. Instead, it made a loop over the Andaman Sea and turned back to Phuket. Emergency services were already in position when the plane landed.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
The Airports of Thailand (AOT) quickly began emergency procedures as soon as the threat was received. Airport officials and local security teams worked together to safely manage the situation. The aircraft was moved to a secure area on the runway, where emergency teams, including bomb squads and fire personnel, were on standby.
All 156 passengers were safely escorted off the plane. They were transported to a secure terminal for further checks and questioning. Medical staff were also available on-site to help passengers if needed. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Bomb Threat Turns Out to Be False
After a detailed search of the plane by bomb squads, no explosives were found on board. Authorities later confirmed that the threat was a false alarm. However, investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the threat and determine whether it was a hoax or a targeted security issue.
A statement by AOT noted that while no explosive device was found during the initial search, they are treating the incident with utmost seriousness. Authorities are working closely with Indian officials and Air India to gather more information.
Air India’s Statement
Air India also released a brief statement after the emergency landing.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. Flight AI 379 was diverted back to Phuket after a bomb threat was received. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were evacuated as per safety procedures. We thank the airport authorities and local officials for their prompt and professional response.”
Flight Tracking Shows Mid-Air U-Turn
According to data from Flightradar24, a real-time flight tracking website, AI 379 made a wide loop mid-air above the Andaman Sea before returning to Phuket. This U-turn was made shortly after the flight entered international airspace.
The tracking pattern shows that the pilots acted swiftly and in coordination with air traffic control to ensure a safe return.
Reactions from Passengers
Several passengers took to social media to share their experiences. Most of them praised the calm and composed behavior of the cabin crew. One passenger tweeted:
“Scary few minutes on Air India AI 379. Kudos to the crew and Thai authorities. We were safely evacuated. Hope no one has to go through this.”
Another passenger posted photos of emergency vehicles surrounding the aircraft and shared their gratitude for being safe.
What Happens Next?
While no bomb was found, the incident is still under investigation. Authorities in both Thailand and India are reviewing all communications, CCTV footage, and passenger lists. It remains unclear whether the bomb threat was made via email, call, or in-flight note.
Security has been tightened at both Phuket and Delhi airports, and passengers are being advised to reach airports early for enhanced checks.
This incident adds to a growing number of recent global airline security alerts. Authorities are stressing the importance of taking all threats seriously, even if they later turn out to be false.
Aviation Experts Weigh In
According to aviation expert Rishi Malhotra, such incidents, while rare, are always approached with extreme caution.
“Even a hoax threat can cause panic, delays, and operational disruption. But passenger safety always comes first. What matters is that protocols worked and everyone is safe.”
He further added that international flights often have emergency landing options charted out in advance, especially over areas like the Andaman Sea, where island airports can serve as emergency landing points.
Previous Similar Incidents
This is not the first time Air India has dealt with a bomb threat. Over the years, a few false alarms have occurred, most of which ended safely. However, this was the first major incident involving a Thailand-to-India flight.
Aviation authorities globally have become more alert in recent times due to rising threats. Even anonymous threats are being taken seriously to avoid any tragedies.
While the bomb threat on Air India flight AI 379 turned out to be a false alarm, it highlighted the importance of strong emergency planning and international cooperation. The quick response by the airline, pilots, airport authorities, and emergency teams ensured that a potentially dangerous situation was handled safely and efficiently.
All 156 passengers on board are safe, and the flight crew is being praised for their professionalism. Investigations will continue to trace the source of the threat, and both Thai and Indian authorities have promised strict action against those responsible.
