This incident occurred just days after a series of bomb threats targeted the Delhi airport and several hospitals in the city. On Sunday, Delhi Police received multiple email threats, which claimed explosives were placed in various locations, leading to panic and extensive security measures
An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru declared a full emergency shortly after takeoff on Tuesday evening due to a suspected fire in its air conditioning unit. Flight AI807, carrying 175 passengers, returned safely to Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport around 6:38 pm.
The incident began at approximately 5:52 pm when the flight crew received a fire warning from the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit. The pilots followed emergency protocols and initiated a return to the airport. The plane, an Airbus A321, landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked safely at the aerobridge.
“Air India accords top priority to the safety and well-being of its passengers. Our colleagues on ground have made alternative arrangements for guests to proceed back to their destination at the earliest,” said an Air India spokesperson. He added, “After the pilots exercised necessary protocols, the aircraft made an uneventful landing and all passengers and crew deplaned at the aerobridge safely.”
Delhi Fire Services (DFS) were promptly alerted at 6:15 pm, and three fire tenders were dispatched to the airport as a precaution. “We received a call from IGI Airport at 6.15 pm regarding a fire. We pressed three fire tenders,” a DFS official confirmed.
This incident occurred just days after a series of bomb threats targeted the Delhi airport and several hospitals in the city. On Sunday, Delhi Police received multiple email threats, which claimed explosives were placed in various locations, leading to panic and extensive security measures.
Delhi Fire Services chief Atul Garg commented on the bomb threat situation: “We received a call around 6.15 pm about a bomb threat at IGI Airport. Fire tenders have been rushed to the spot.” These threats have also extended to educational institutions, with over 130 schools across Delhi-NCR receiving similar emails, causing evacuations and searches.
In response to the bomb threats, Delhi Police have involved Interpol to trace the origin of the emails sent through the Russian mailing service Mail.ru. An FIR has been registered against unknown individuals for creating public panic and disrupting order.
The prompt response by Air India and emergency services ensured the safety of all passengers aboard flight AI807, showcasing the importance of preparedness and swift action in aviation safety.