New Delhi: In a concerning security incident, an ammunition cartridge was discovered on an Air India flight after it arrived in New Delhi from Dubai.

The airline confirmed that the cartridge was found in a seat pocket on flight AI916 after it landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on October 27. All passengers had safely disembarked before the cartridge was located.

An Air India spokesperson confirmed that a complaint was promptly lodged with Airport Police following the discovery of an ammunition cartridge on board. The matter is under investigation by the appropriate authorities.

In a statement the airline emphasized that passenger and crew safety is its top priority and assured the public that it is working closely with airport security and law enforcement to ensure all protocols are observed and the matter is thoroughly investigated.

Following standard security procedures, officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport have reportedly tightened security checks, while the Delhi Police and other security agencies are investigating how the ammunition might have made it onto the flight undetected. The incident raises questions about potential lapses in security measures either at the Dubai departure airport or during the screening process, and investigators are expected to examine surveillance footage and passenger records as part of their probe.

Air India reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, stressing that it maintains strict adherence to security guidelines in collaboration with regulatory authorities.

-B