June 14, 2025 — A mid-air bomb threat prompted an Air India flight from New Delhi to Bangkok to make an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday afternoon. The alert led to the swift evacuation of all 176 passengers and crew members, with no casualties or injuries reported.
Flight AI-332, which departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 11:30 AM IST, was cruising toward its destination when the airline reportedly received an anonymous email warning of an explosive device on board. Acting in accordance with aviation safety protocols, the pilot immediately declared an emergency and coordinated with Bangkok air traffic control for priority landing.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft was guided to an isolated section of the tarmac, where security personnel, bomb disposal squads, and emergency response teams were already in position. Passengers were safely evacuated and moved to a secure zone within the terminal as authorities commenced a detailed inspection of the aircraft.
Thai security agencies, in collaboration with aviation officials, carried out a complete search of the passenger cabin, cargo area, and luggage compartments. No explosives were discovered during the inspection. However, authorities confirmed that the threat is being treated with utmost seriousness and a formal investigation is underway.
Air India released an official statement expressing its commitment to passenger safety: “We followed all standard operating procedures in coordination with local authorities. All passengers and crew are safe, and further arrangements are being made for their travel.”
The Indian Embassy in Thailand has extended support to the passengers and is working closely with Thai officials and the airline to assist travelers until further travel plans are finalized. Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has urged airlines across the country to reinforce their security systems and review onboard safety procedures.
Indian aviation security agencies, including the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), have launched a separate inquiry to trace the origin of the email and determine whether it poses a broader threat to civil aviation.
Airports in major Indian cities have also heightened their security in response to the incident, with additional screening and surveillance measures put in place.
Though no suspects have yet been identified, authorities are exploring both the possibility of a hoax and the need for deeper cybersecurity evaluations, given the increasing frequency of such threats in global aviation.
Affected passengers will be rebooked on alternative flights once the aircraft is cleared for service. Air India has arranged accommodation and assistance for those impacted by the delay.
This incident highlights growing concerns around in-flight security and the evolving challenges faced by airlines in dealing with anonymous threats.
