Was the Bomb Threat at Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport a Hoax?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bomb threat was a hoax.
- High alert response by security agencies.
- No suspicious objects found.
- Investigation underway to find responsible parties.
- Recent increase in threats to aviation security.
Hyderabad, June 18 (NationPress) A bomb threat targeting the Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad on Wednesday prompted immediate action from security agencies; however, after a thorough investigation, it was confirmed as a hoax.
The alert was triggered when airport authorities received an email detailing the supposed bomb threat.
According to police, the email was sent by unknown individuals claiming a bomb had been planted within the airport's vicinity. The airport's chief security officer promptly notified the Hyderabad police.
Anti-sabotage units and bomb disposal teams quickly arrived at the airport, located in the city's center, and conducted a meticulous search of the area.
Fortunately, after extensive inspections, law enforcement officials found no suspicious items, leading them to conclude it was a hoax. Authorities are now working to identify the individuals behind the email.
Since 2008, Begumpet Airport has managed chartered flights and military operations, following the transfer of commercial flights to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad on the outskirts of the city.
This bomb threat comes amid a recent increase in threats directed at airports and flights throughout the country.
On June 5, a Lufthansa flight bound for Hyderabad from Frankfurt had to return after a bomb threat was reported at the Hyderabad airport.
Additionally, on June 15 at 6:01 p.m., authorities at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport received another bomb threat email. A bomb threat assessment committee was promptly convened, and all standard procedures were activated. For safety reasons, the airline was advised to divert to its origin or the nearest appropriate airport.
Eventually, Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport received a notification that the flight was returning to Frankfurt.
The flight had departed Frankfurt at approximately 2:15 p.m. and had not yet entered Indian airspace when it turned back. Two hours into its journey, Flight LH752 safely landed back at Frankfurt airport.