Bomb hoax disrupts Pune-bound Vistara flight from Delhi

Updated on: Aug 18, 2023 11:15 pm IST

The flight was to depart at around 8.30am and the boarding process was underway when the airline was informed about the call

A bomb threat was reported on a Pune-bound Vistara flight from Delhi, forcing the evacuation of passengers and a thorough inspection of the aircraft. The incident caused a temporary disruption at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The bomb threat was received at around 7.30am via a call made to the GMR call centre, according to people familiar with the matter.

The incident caused a temporary disruption at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. (Representational Image)
The incident caused a temporary disruption at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. (Representational Image)

The flight was to depart at around 8.30am and the boarding process was underway when the airline was informed about the call. Passengers were swiftly deboarded from the aircraft and moved to a safe distance. The flight and its luggage was thoroughly scanned for around eight hours, before finally being declared a hoax, officials said. The flight eventually departed at around 4.30pm.

“We confirm that the flight UK971, scheduled to fly from Delhi to Pune on 18 August 2023 is delayed due to mandatory security checks. We have been cooperating with the relevant security agencies for the same. In the meanwhile, we are making all efforts to minimise inconvenience to our customers including offering them refreshments,” a spokesperson for Vistara said in a statement.

“The flight was taken to an isolation bay where search and combing operations were carried out. This included passenger-checking and checking of their luggage too,” the official said, asking not to be named.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), one of the security agencies at the airport, said the call was declared a hoax after around eight hours. “The bomb threat call received was fairly specific, as the caller said the flight UK971, departing from Gate No. 42 had three bombs, which will detonate within an hour,” said a CISF official, adding that the bomb threat assessment committee (BTAC) had to carry out thorough inspections.

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
close
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
Get App
crown-icon
Subscribe Now!
AI Summary AI Summary

A bomb threat on a Vistara flight from Delhi to Pune caused the evacuation of passengers and a thorough inspection of the aircraft at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The threat was received via a call to the GMR call centre, leading to the deboarding of passengers and a search of the flight and its luggage for eight hours. The threat was eventually declared a hoax, and the flight departed later in the day.