Bomb threat on Indian plane turns out to be a hoax

It has been announced that the bomb threat against an Indian Vistara Airlines plane, which made an emergency landing at Erzurum Airport, was a hoax. Following detailed search and screening operations, security measures were lifted and flights have returned to normal.

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Bomb threat on Indian plane turns out to be a hoax

It has been announced that the bomb threat against an Indian plane that made an emergency landing in Erzurum was a hoax.

Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi made the following statement:

"As you are aware, a passenger plane belonging to Vistara Airlines, which took off from Mumbai, India, made a mandatory emergency landing at our airport around 16:30 today. Upon the plane's landing at the airport, we had taken all necessary precautions. We welcomed the plane having taken all measures together with our AFAD directorate, police department, bomb disposal teams, health directorate, Metropolitan Municipality, and fire department teams. Subsequently, all passengers, a total of 247 passengers and crew, were safely evacuated from the plane. Our bomb search teams first conducted the necessary search and screening operations inside the plane. Then, all the suitcases and luggage belonging to all passengers in the cargo section of the plane were unloaded. Search operations for them were also completed both via X-ray devices and with the help of a search dog. As of 23:30, we concluded all search and screening operations. As a result of our efforts, we determined that the bomb threat was a hoax. Consequently, the flight ban imposed at our city's airport has been lifted. Now, all planes arriving in or departing from our city will be able to take off easily. Only the India-origin plane is still currently remaining at our airport. This is because, according to international flight regulations, pilots have a certain amount of flight time available. Since they have completed this time, they are currently resting. The passengers are resting in the international terminal of our airport. All their needs have been met. A new plane will arrive from Mumbai, India, tomorrow around 7:25. The passengers will continue their journey with that plane. They will continue to Frankfurt. That is all I can say for now."

WHAT HAPPENED?

A passenger plane belonging to the company Air Vistara, which was performing an India-Germany flight, made an emergency landing at Erzurum Airport due to a bomb threat. After the plane landed safely at the airport, it was directed to the apron and the evacuation of passengers began.

INTENSIVE SECURITY MEASURES TAKEN

Extensive security measures were taken at Erzurum Airport following the bomb threat. Bomb disposal experts from the Erzurum Police Department were dispatched to the area and began inspecting the plane. Meanwhile, other planes scheduled to depart from the airport were not permitted to do so.

According to the information received, AFAD, health, police, and fire department teams were dispatched to the airport following the plane's emergency landing.

It was learned that the passengers on the plane were evacuated and a detailed search was initiated in the cabin and cargo sections.

News Source: İHA