Hoax bomb threat causes 11 emergency landings at Kolkata airport

11 flights were forced to make emergency landings at Kolkata Airport after another bomb scare, adding to the already tense atmosphere due to Cyclone Dana approaching Bengal and Odisha.

The bomb scare originated from a post on the social media platform X, claiming that bombs had been planted on several planes and inside the airport. The post ominously declared, "No one will return alive. Assume this is your last day," setting off a chain of precautionary actions at the Kolkata Airport. Seven IndiGo flights, along with one Akasa Air, one SpiceJet, and two Alliance Airplanes, were promptly directed to make emergency landings as a result of the threat.

The airport authorities did not take any chances after receiving the post, particularly given the recent surge of fake bomb threats affecting flights across India. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), bomb squads, and dog squads were swiftly deployed to search the planes and the terminal area. Each of the 11 planes was brought to an 'Isolation Bay' for thorough inspection, but no bombs were found.

This incident is not isolated. Just a few days ago, on the 22nd of the month, an Akasa Airways flight heading to Kolkata was also forced into emergency procedures after a similar fake bomb threat was posted online. The post falsely claimed that a bomb was on board, causing immediate panic and the necessary safety precautions to be enforced. These repetitive bomb threats have left both passengers and authorities on edge.

Meanwhile, police investigations have revealed that the recent bomb threats are being traced to London and Germany, where the malicious messages are being posted. The Indian government has already reached out to platform X for details regarding the IP addresses associated with the threats to track down the perpetrators responsible for spreading fear.

In addition to the bomb threats, Cyclone Dana has added further complications to airport operations. Due to the impending cyclone, Kolkata Airport authorities have suspended flight operations from 5 p.m. today, with several flights being canceled as a safety measure.

Passengers, who were already tense due to Cyclone Dana, expressed growing frustration over the continuous bomb threats. “It's terrifying. First, we’re worried about the cyclone, and now these constant bomb scares are making flying even more stressful,” a passenger said.