Bomb scare forces Air India Birmingham–Delhi flight to land in Riyadh

New Delhi: An Air India flight operating from Birmingham to New Delhi was diverted to Riyadh on Saturday, June 22, following a bomb threat. The aircraft landed safely in the Saudi Arabian city, where all passengers were safely deplaned. The airline confirmed that security checks had been completed and passengers were being provided with hotel accommodation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Air India said, "Flight AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi of 21 June received a bomb threat and was consequently diverted to Riyadh where it has landed safely and has completed security checks. All passengers have been deplaned and are being provided hotel accommodation."

Alternative arrangements in progress

Owned by the Tata Group, Air India noted that alternative travel arrangements were being made for passengers from Riyadh to their final destinations. The airline is working to ensure that disruptions are minimised under the circumstances.

Steps taken after fatal crash

The incident follows a fatal crash of an Air India aircraft in Ahmedabad on June 12. In response, the airline has undertaken enhanced pre-flight safety checks and temporarily reduced services to maintain operational stability.

Operational delays continue amid multiple constraints

Air India also highlighted ongoing challenges that have led to delays or cancellations despite best efforts. "Despite all efforts, due to extraneous factors such as airspace closures in the Middle East, nighttime curfew at several airports in Europe and East Asia, air traffic congestion, unforeseen operational issues, certain flights get delayed or cancelled," it said.

The airline added that some disruptions occur at the last minute due to unforeseen challenges.