Picture credits: Air India
Mumbai: An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport returned to Mumbai on March 10, 2025, following a mid-flight security threat.
The Boeing 777 aircraft, operating as flight AI119, was carrying 303 passengers and 19 crew members when the crew detected a security concern.
The aircraft was over Azerbaijan when a bomb threat note was discovered inside one of the lavatories. Following standard security protocols, the crew notified authorities and decided to return to Mumbai to ensure passenger safety.
The aircraft landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 10:25 AM local time, where security agencies conducted a thorough inspection. Air India confirmed its full cooperation with the authorities, and initial checks did not reveal any immediate threats. The investigation is ongoing.
All passengers were provided with accommodations, meals, and necessary assistance while the airline arranged for their onward journey. The rescheduled flight is expected to depart for New York at 5:00 AM on March 11, 2025.
Another Air India Flight Returns Mid-Air: Chicago-Delhi Flight Faces Lavatory Malfunction
This incident follows another recent disruption involving an Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi last week. That flight, also a Boeing 777, was forced to return to Chicago after nearly 10 hours in the air due to a technical issue. Nine out of ten lavatories became non-functional, leading to the decision to turn back after the aircraft had already crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
Upon landing, passengers were provided with alternative travel arrangements. Air India later stated that the decision to return was made in accordance with operational and safety guidelines.
With two major incidents occurring within a short period, aviation authorities continue to assess both cases.
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