Bengaluru Airport receives bomb threat, sparks emergency security check

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) was put on high alert late Wednesday night following an email warning of explosives on the premises. The threat, which specifically mentioned bombs placed under "Plan A" and "Plan B" and an explosive device in a toilet pipeline, triggered immediate and comprehensive security measures. Authorities swiftly launched a thorough inspection of the airport.

Following extensive searches, security agencies confirmed that no explosive devices were found, declaring the threat a hoax. A case has been registered against the sender of the email, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for the false alarm. This incident at KIA comes amidst a recent surge in hoax bomb threats across Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, with several schools and even KIA itself having received similar false alerts earlier this week.

This recurring pattern of hoax threats has become a significant concern for authorities. Between 2022 and 2024, Karnataka recorded at least 169 hoax bomb threats, with 133 of them originating in Bengaluru alone. In a similar incident, Hyderabad's Begumpet Airport also received a bomb threat email on Wednesday morning, prompting bomb squads and security personnel to conduct comprehensive checks across its premises.

Despite the disruption and heightened security, both Bengaluru and Hyderabad airport authorities confirmed that operations returned to normal after the threats were debunked. The incidents underscore the challenges faced by security agencies in distinguishing genuine threats from hoaxes while ensuring public safety.