Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen provided a comprehensive update regarding the emergency response actions taken after a bomb threat was reported against an Air India Express flight from Madurai to Singapore on Tuesday. In a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all involved, two Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-15SG fighter jets were swiftly dispatched to escort the aircraft away from densely populated areas before it safely landed at Changi Airport around 10 p.m. local time.
After the aircraft's safe landing, Singapore’s Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams were activated as part of the country's robust security protocols. Once on the ground, the plane was handed over to the Airport Police for further investigation. Minister Ng Eng Hen stated in a post on X, “Our GBAD systems and EOD were activated. Once on the ground, the plane was handed to the Airport Police. Investigations are ongoing.”
While the number of passengers on the flight has not been publicly disclosed, it is essential to note that there were no immediate reports of injuries or distress among those aboard. However, Air India Express has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, leading to heightened concern and speculation among travelers and aviation experts alike.
The Air India Express flight from Madurai to Singapore was part of a larger wave of security alerts, as it was among seven Indian flights that received bomb threats on the same day. This alarming trend affected several other flights, including the Delhi-Chicago Air India flight, which was diverted to Canada for thorough checks, and the Jaipur-Bengaluru Air India Express. Other flights, such as the Dammam-Lucknow IndiGo flight and the Darbhanga-Mumbai SpiceJet flight, also faced security screenings but managed to land safely after all precautionary measures were taken.
The threats were reportedly issued by an X handle, which specifically targeted multiple planes, including two Air India Express flights, a SpiceJet aircraft, an Akasa flight, and an Alliance Air flight. In total, seven flights were implicated in the bomb threats, leading to a comprehensive review of safety procedures by the involved airlines and airport authorities.
Additionally, a similar bomb scare occurred just a day earlier, targeting three international flights originating from Mumbai. These messages were later declared hoaxes after intensive security measures, including collaboration among security, intelligence agencies, airlines, and airport operators, were undertaken to conduct anti-terrorist security drills.
The ongoing investigations aim to trace the origins of these bomb threats and to ensure the safety and security of air travel in the region. As authorities continue to navigate these challenging circumstances, the aviation sector is reminded of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats.
