Dhaka: Air India’s Mumbai bound flight AI2957 activated emergency protocols following a hijack threat on January 27, 2025.
Shortly after takeoff at 8:40 pm, the Tata Group-owned airline transmitted a hijack signal to its departing destination Delhi’s Air Traffic Control Tower.
The flight, operated by Airbus A320neo from Indira Gandhi International Airport, was carrying 126 passengers onboard.
The emergency signal prompted Delhi ATC to initiate comprehensive security measures, alerting multiple agencies including the destination airport, security forces, and the Indian Air Force, as per reports.
A central committee was formed immediately, comprising Delhi Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Air Force representatives, added reports.
The pilot subsequently informed ATC about the false alarm, yet security protocols remained active.
Mumbai airport authorities implemented full emergency procedures at 9:30 pm, forming an aerodrome committee and deploying local police alongside National Security Guard (NSG) personnel.
The flight landed in Mumbai at 9:47 pm, and officials directed it to an isolation bay. Airport security maintained strict protocols, detaining passengers aboard for an hour while conducting thorough security checks.
Passengers received clearance to disembark only after authorities completed comprehensive security verifications and confirmed the absence of threats, claimed reports.
The incident has launched a comprehensive investigation involving the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Investigators will determine whether pilot error or air traffic control misinterpretation caused the false alarm, mentioned reports.
It may be mentioned here, the Ministry of Civil Aviation reported 999 hoax bomb threats targeting airlines between January and November 14, 2024, with 666 threats occurring in October alone.
The ministry has responded by amending the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023, introducing fines of up to INR 1 crore for false security threats.