Airport Security Archives - Aviation Today

Three British Airways Crew Hospitalized After Consuming Marijuana-Infused Candies

Aviation Today News Desk / February 11, 2026

London, United Kingdom: Three British Airways cabin crew members were hospitalized after consuming sweets containing a high dose of marijuana […]

Incidents

Air France A350 With 283 Passengers Makes Wrong Turn Into Military Zone At Abidjan

Aviation Today News Desk / February 10, 2026

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: An Air France Airbus A350-900 carrying 283 passengers and 12 crew members inadvertently taxied into a restricted

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as temporary airspace closures come into force ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Authorities have issued formal restrictions that are expected to affect hundreds of scheduled flights between January 21 and January 26. Under Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and associated civil aviation agencies, the airspace over Delhi will be closed to commercial departures and arrivals daily between 10:20 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. (IST) for a duration of 2 hours 25 minutes. The restrictions are designed to facilitate military flypast rehearsals, parade drills and associated aerial security procedures ahead of the Republic Day parade. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 600 flights are likely to be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled over the six-day period due to the closure coinciding with one of IGIA’s busiest scheduling windows. Airlines have warned of unpredictable movement patterns throughout the affected window, with adjustments to flight departures and arrivals increasingly likely during the restricted hours. Passengers travelling to or from Delhi are being urged to check flight status updates directly with carriers before their scheduled departure. On January 19, well ahead of the formal restriction dates, three Srinagar–Delhi flights were cancelled as preliminary rehearsals triggered temporary shutdowns of critical airspace corridors, highlighting the cascading impacts of the restrictions. Regional disruptions are also emerging. On the Delhi–Pantnagar route, early-morning services were cancelled due to the imposed no-fly zone, with airlines offering rebooking or refunds to affected passengers. Similarly, two Air India flights operating between Nagpur and Delhi have been cancelled through January 26 as operators adjust schedules in light of the closure. The closures coincide with peak winter weather conditions in the national capital region. Dense fog and poor visibility have already contributed to flight delays and cancellations at IGIA and other airports in northern India in recent days. A travel advisory issued on January 17 by Delhi Airport officials highlighted that persistent fog coupled with heightened Republic Day security measures could create compounded challenges for passengers and airlines. The airspace restrictions form part of an integrated national security plan for Republic Day, which also includes extensive no-fly zones and road traffic curbs in central Delhi on rehearsal and parade days. Delhi Police and civil aviation authorities have coordinated the measures to balance security needs with transport continuity.

Airports

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Aviation Today News Desk / January 21, 2026

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as

Lucknow, India: An IndiGo flight operating from Delhi to Bagdogra made an emergency landing at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on Sunday after a bomb threat was detected onboard, triggering a full-scale aviation security response. The aircraft, operating as IndiGo flight 6E-6650, was diverted mid-air after the crew alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) about a suspicious message found inside the aircraft. According to official sources, a handwritten note claiming the presence of a bomb was discovered on tissue paper inside one of the aircraft’s lavatories. Following standard security protocols, ATC directed the aircraft to divert to Lucknow, where it landed safely. All passengers and crew were evacuated without injury, and the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for inspection. The flight was carrying 222 adult passengers and eight infants, along with two pilots and five cabin crew members. Security agencies, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), local police, airport security personnel, and a Bomb Disposal Squad, conducted an extensive search of the aircraft, luggage, and cabin. A Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) was also convened as part of the response. Initial inspections found no explosive device, and authorities later indicated that the threat appeared to be a hoax, though investigations remain ongoing to identify the source of the message and determine whether legal action will be pursued. IndiGo, in a brief statement, confirmed the diversion and said the airline followed all mandatory safety and security procedures. The airline emphasized that passenger safety remains its highest priority. Airport operations at Lucknow were temporarily affected during the security checks, but normal operations resumed once authorities cleared the aircraft. India has witnessed a rise in hoax bomb threats targeting aviation in recent months, prompting airlines and airports to adopt a zero-tolerance approach. Aviation security experts stress that even false threats must be treated as real until proven otherwise, given the potential risk to passengers and infrastructure. Authorities have reiterated that issuing false bomb threats is a serious criminal offence under Indian law and warned of strict action against those found responsible.

Incidents

IndiGo Flight With 230 On Board Makes Emergency Landing In Lucknow After Bomb Threat

Aviation Today News Desk / January 19, 2026

Lucknow, India: An IndiGo flight operating from Delhi to Bagdogra made an emergency landing at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International

Barcelona, Spain: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A321, operating Flight TK1853 from Istanbul to Barcelona, carried out an emergency landing at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona‑El Prat Airport on Thursday morning after authorities received what was initially perceived as a bomb threat on board. The incident unfolded in the final phase of the flight, which departed Istanbul at approximately 9:22 a.m. local time and was scheduled to arrive in Barcelona around 11 a.m. As the aircraft was approaching its destination with 148 passengers and 7 crew members onboard, flight crew members were alerted to a suspicious in‑flight wireless network name that appeared to include threatening language interpreted as a bomb warning. In response to the alert, the airline’s regional communications executive, Yahya Üstün, confirmed that the crew declared an emergency and implemented standard safety protocols. Spanish authorities also activated the Aerocat emergency plan, mobilising airport security forces, fire services and the Guardia Civil to manage the situation and ensure safety. The aircraft was directed to a designated remote area of the airport upon landing at 10:57 a.m., where passengers disembarked safely and were escorted to secure facilities away from terminal operations. According to local officials, Barcelona‑El Prat continued to operate normally throughout the incident. Security personnel conducted thorough inspections of the aircraft, luggage and passengers. No explosives or hazardous materials were found, and authorities later confirmed the threat was a false alarm. Spanish and Catalan police forces led the on‑ground response, supported by civil protection units and regional emergency services. Passengers remained in secure areas while officials completed safety checks and de-escalated the risk. According to Turkish Airlines, the incident appears to have been triggered by the Wi‑Fi hotspot name created by a passenger, which included text interpreted as a bomb threat. The airline said it has initiated procedures to identify the individual responsible and will cooperate with the Spanish investigation. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Turkish Airlines reaffirmed that no irregularities were detected after security screenings, and that the aircraft’s return flight was scheduled.

Incidents

Turkish Airlines A321 Makes Emergency Landing In Barcelona After Bomb Threat Alert

Aviation Today News Desk / January 16, 2026

Barcelona, Spain: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A321, operating Flight TK1853 from Istanbul to Barcelona, carried out an emergency landing at

Vancouver, Canada: Canadian aviation authorities have launched a formal safety probe after an Air India pilot was found to be under the influence of alcohol before operating an international flight from Vancouver, prompting an inquiry and corrective action demands to the Indian carrier. The incident occurred on December 23, 2025, at Vancouver International Airport ahead of Flight AI186, scheduled to operate from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna. According to a letter from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) to Air India officials, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that the pilot, identified as Captain Saurabh Kumar, reported for duty while under the influence of alcohol and was deemed unfit for the flight. Canadian authorities conducted two breathalyser tests that confirmed the presence of alcohol, following which the pilot was advised to leave the aircraft and was subsequently removed from duty at the scene. Transport Canada has characterised the occurrence as a violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), citing breaches of sections 602.02 and 602.03, which govern crew fitness for duty and alcohol consumption limits, as well as conditions of Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC). In its correspondence, Transport Canada has formally asked Air India to investigate the matter under its Safety Management System and submit a detailed corrective action report by January 26, 2026. The regulator indicated that enforcement action by both the RCMP and the TCCA is likely as the review progresses. Air India confirmed that Flight AI186 experienced a last-minute delay on December 23 after the cockpit crew member was offloaded prior to departure “based on concerns raised by the Canadian authorities regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty.” The airline said an alternate pilot was rostered in accordance with safety protocols, resulting in the delayed departure. In an official statement, Air India said it regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers, is fully cooperating with Canadian authorities, and has taken the pilot off flying duties pending the outcome of the inquiry. The airline reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of applicable rules and regulations, noting that “any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.” Initial accounts of the incident suggest that the episode first came to light after a duty-free shop employee at the Vancouver airport reported a concern about the pilot either smelling of alcohol or consuming it moments before boarding preparations. This triggered intervention by Canadian authorities and the subsequent breathalyser tests.

Airlines

Canada Seeks Inquiry After Air India Pilot Found Under Influence Of Alcohol

Aviation Today News Desk / January 2, 2026

Vancouver, Canada: Canadian aviation authorities have launched a formal safety probe after an Air India pilot was found to be

Tiruchirappalli, India: A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Tiruchirappalli International Airport on Monday after the crew detected a technical malfunction shortly after take-off. The aircraft landed safely after remaining airborne for nearly two hours as part of standard safety procedures. No injuries were reported. The aircraft, operating as Flight IX 611, departed Trichy at around 1:55 PM, carrying approximately 152 people onboard, after a brief delay from its scheduled departure time of 12:45 PM. Soon after take-off, pilots reported a technical snag and immediately entered a holding pattern over the Tiruchirappalli and Pudukottai airspace to burn excess fuel before attempting a safe landing. After circling for nearly two hours, the aircraft touched down safely at 3:53 PM, triggering emergency protocols at the airport. Fire and rescue services remained on standby as a precautionary measure. Airport sources said 11 passengers were offloaded following the return. The remaining 135 travellers, along with six crew members, were shifted to another aircraft through a one-to-one transfer process. Air India Express has not yet disclosed the exact nature of the technical fault. Officials confirmed that a detailed investigation will be conducted in line with aviation safety protocols. Airport authorities stated that the incident was handled efficiently and that passenger safety was never compromised. Several passengers reportedly contacted relatives after noticing the aircraft was not gaining cruising altitude, sparking momentary concern before the safe landing was confirmed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the technical report once it is submitted by the airline.

Incidents

Dubai-Bound Air India Express Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing At Trichy After Snag

Aviation Today News Desk / December 2, 2025

Tiruchirappalli, India: A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Tiruchirappalli International Airport on

Hyderabad, India: A software professional from Kerala was arrested on Saturday for allegedly misbehaving with a female flight attendant onboard an Air India flight operating from Dubai to Hyderabad, police confirmed on Sunday, November 30. According to officials, the incident took place during the flight on Friday, November 28, when the accused passenger, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, allegedly touched the cabin crew member inappropriately during the journey. The flight landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad, where security agencies were alerted immediately after the complaint was received. Police said that after the aircraft landed, crew members discovered a handwritten note containing obscene and abusive remarks left behind on the passenger’s seat. The matter was escalated to airport security and local law enforcement, following which the accused was taken into custody for questioning. A formal case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to sexual harassment and use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. The accused was produced before a local court and has been remanded to judicial custody, police added. Investigators are also examining whether the passenger consumed alcohol before boarding or during the flight. Officials stated that strict action would be taken based on the findings of the probe and supporting evidence provided by the airline and crew members. The airline has so far not issued a detailed official statement on the matter. However, aviation authorities reiterated that any form of misconduct toward airline staff or fellow passengers will attract strict legal consequences.

Incidents

Kerala Techie Arrested For Harassing Cabin Crew On Dubai-Hyderabad Air India Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / December 1, 2025

Hyderabad, India: A software professional from Kerala was arrested on Saturday for allegedly misbehaving with a female flight attendant onboard

Hyderabad, India: A Gulf Air flight operating from Bahrain to Hyderabad was diverted to Mumbai early Sunday after airport authorities in Hyderabad received an email claiming a bomb had been placed on the aircraft. The threat was later confirmed to be a hoax after detailed security checks. Flight GF 274, carrying 154 passengers, departed Bahrain at 22:20 hrs on Saturday and was scheduled to arrive at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 04:55 a.m. On Sunday. At around 3 a.m., an email warning of an explosive device onboard was sent to the Hyderabad airport’s customer support address, prompting authorities to initiate emergency protocols. Following standard procedure, the aircraft was instructed to divert to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, where it landed safely. Security teams conducted multiple layers of inspection and found no suspicious objects. After receiving clearance from security agencies, the flight departed Mumbai and landed in Hyderabad at 11:31 a.m. Gulf Air stated that the diversion was carried out “in accordance with safety and security requirements” and confirmed that all passengers were safe. Hyderabad Airport officials filed a complaint with local police, who have registered a case and begun tracing the origin of the threat email. Authorities noted that the message appeared similar to earlier hoax threats received in recent weeks. The incident follows a series of false alarms involving flights bound for Hyderabad. Earlier this month, an IndiGo flight from Jeddah to Hyderabad was diverted to Mumbai after an email referencing a past airport blast claimed a bomb was onboard. That threat also proved to be false, but it prompted full emergency procedures and inspections. The repeated hoax threats have triggered heightened alert levels at Hyderabad Airport and renewed discussions within India’s aviation sector regarding cyber-threat response, email-verification systems, and rapid-response coordination for inbound international flights.

Incidents

Hyderabad Bomb Threat Forces Gulf Air Flight To Divert To Mumbai For Security Checks

Aviation Today News Desk / November 24, 2025

Hyderabad, India: A Gulf Air flight operating from Bahrain to Hyderabad was diverted to Mumbai early Sunday after airport authorities

Airports

Emirates Debuts Facial Recognition Travel System At DXB Offering Seamless Travel

Aviation Today News Desk / November 22, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Emirates Airlines has unveiled a state-of-the-art biometric system at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, marking a

Airport Security

Three British Airways Crew Hospitalized After Consuming Marijuana-Infused Candies

Air France A350 With 283 Passengers Makes Wrong Turn Into Military Zone At Abidjan

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

IndiGo Flight With 230 On Board Makes Emergency Landing In Lucknow After Bomb Threat

Turkish Airlines A321 Makes Emergency Landing In Barcelona After Bomb Threat Alert

Canada Seeks Inquiry After Air India Pilot Found Under Influence Of Alcohol

Dubai-Bound Air India Express Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing At Trichy After Snag

Kerala Techie Arrested For Harassing Cabin Crew On Dubai-Hyderabad Air India Flight

Hyderabad Bomb Threat Forces Gulf Air Flight To Divert To Mumbai For Security Checks

Emirates Debuts Facial Recognition Travel System At DXB Offering Seamless Travel

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