Air India flight makes emergency landing in Phuket after passenger onboard finds bomb threat note

An Air India flight, AI 379, en route from Phuket to Delhi, was forced to request an emergency landing at Phuket International Airport today after a passenger discovered a bomb threat note on board. The incident, occurring on Friday, saw the aircraft, carrying 156 passengers, safely return to the Thai island, making a wide loop over the Andaman Sea after departing Phuket at 9:30 AM local time.

Following the pilot's decision to make a mid-air turn back due to the security alert, the aircraft landed safely and immediately underwent mandatory security checks. All passengers were promptly escorted from the plane as part of emergency protocols. Authorities have since conducted a preliminary search of the flight and confirmed that no bomb or explosive device was found on board, alleviating immediate fears.

Investigations are now underway, with Thai airport officials currently questioning the passenger who found the bomb threat note on the aircraft. This incident comes closely after the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday, which claimed over 240 lives, adding to the recent heightened security concerns within the aviation sector.