Why Was the Bahrain-Hyderabad Flight Diverted to Mumbai?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gulf Air flight GF274 was diverted due to a bomb threat.
- Passengers were safely redirected to Mumbai Airport.
- Authorities acted swiftly to ensure safety protocols were followed.
- Bomb threats at Hyderabad Airport have occurred previously.
- Security agencies are on high alert following such incidents.
Hyderabad, Nov 23 (NationPress) A Gulf Air flight traveling from Bahrain to Hyderabad was redirected to Mumbai following a bomb threat received at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on Sunday.
The flight GF274, carrying 154 passengers, was rerouted to Mumbai Airport after an email indicated that a bomb had been placed on board.
Sources from Hyderabad Airport revealed that the threat email was sent to the customer support address at 3 a.m.
In light of this, the aircraft, which departed from Bahrain at 10:20 p.m. on Saturday and was set to arrive at Hyderabad Airport at 4:55 a.m. on Sunday, was diverted to Mumbai.
Afterward, the flight resumed its journey and landed at Hyderabad Airport at 11:31 a.m.
Gulf Air issued a statement confirming that flight GF274 was diverted to Mumbai Airport in adherence to safety and security protocols.
The national airline of Bahrain assured that the aircraft landed safely and continued to its destination after the necessary safety procedures were followed, reaching its final stop at Hyderabad Airport.
This incident follows a pattern, as similar bomb threats have targeted Hyderabad Airport in the past.
In June, a Hyderabad-bound Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt had to return to the German airport due to a bomb threat at the Hyderabad Airport.
Officials emphasized that for safety reasons, airlines are recommended to divert to the nearest suitable airport or return to their original departure point.
Subsequently, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport received a notification that the flight was heading back to Frankfurt.
In June, a bomb threat was also reported at Begumpet Airport, which was later confirmed to be a hoax after thorough investigations.
Security agencies heightened their alert status following the bomb threat email received.
Begumpet Airport has been managing chartered flights and military operations since 2008, when commercial flights were moved to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad located on the outskirts of the city.