Air India flight makes emergency landing in Phuket after mid-air threat (VIDEOS)
Thailand flight scare adds to concerns after Ahmedabad plane crash tragedy
DUBAI: An Air India flight en route from Phuket to New Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing on Friday after receiving a mid-air threat, according to Thai airport authorities.
The flight, AI 379, took off at 9:30AM local time but soon looped over the Andaman Sea before returning to Phuket.
The Airports of Thailand (AOT) confirmed that 156 passengers were safely evacuated upon landing. Emergency protocols were activated under the airport's contingency plan.
No injuries were reported, and authorities have not disclosed the nature of the threat. Air India has yet to issue an official comment.
What happened onboard?
Flight tracker Flightradar24 showed the aircraft making an unusual circular path before landing back on the island.
The threat was reportedly received during the flight, prompting the captain to reverse course. Upon arrival, security teams escorted passengers off the plane while the aircraft was isolated for inspection.
More worries for Air India as its Flight AI 379 received a bomb threat on board the aircraft before making an emergency landing at Phuket International Airport, (HKT), Thailand, with 156 passengers onboard on 13 June 2025.
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) June 13, 2025
Phuket Airport (HKT) was notified by the Flight Control… pic.twitter.com/Ktb2OIfknJ
The airport’s official Facebook page confirmed that bomb threat procedures were followed. There was no confirmation of an explosive device, and further investigations are ongoing.
Air India plane crash
Just a day earlier, an Air India Dreamliner crashed in a densely populated area of Ahmedabad, killing at least 290 people. The London-bound aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, struck a residential block shortly after take-off on Thursday.
Eyewitnesses described fire engulfing buildings and debris scattered across the area. They say that part of the aircraft crashed into apartments housing medical staff, while the nose section landed on a canteen where students were gathered.
Rescue teams worked overnight, aided by sniffer dogs, as authorities launched a formal investigation into the crash. It remains unclear what caused the aircraft to lose control during ascent.