Air India flight diverted after hijack rumour, bomb threat alert

Air India. Photo credit: AFP

An Air India flight from Frankfurt, Germany, to New Delhi, India, was diverted to Jaipur following a security alert linked to a reported bomb threat and a suspected hijacking rumour on Wednesday.

The flight, identified as AI 2030, landed safely at Jaipur International Airport and was moved to an isolation bay, where security personnel began inspecting the aircraft and passengers’ luggage.

According to Republic World on Wednesday, the diversion was carried out as a precaution after the alert was reported while the aircraft approached Indian airspace.

Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force, local police and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad began examining the plane and passengers’ luggage after it landed.

However, an airport source quoted by Hindustan Times said the alert was linked to a hijacking rumour rather than a confirmed bomb threat.

“It was a hijacking rumour, not a bomb threat. It’s too early to comment officially on the matter. An investigation is underway,” an airport official told Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity.

Passengers, crew evacuated

According to preliminary information, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft and taken to a designated holding area inside the airport terminal.

• 30 countries condemn Iran over UK airbase incident
• India deploys thousands of police ahead of election protest
• Court frees Baale of theft, grievous bodily harm charges

The alert was reportedly raised as the aircraft approached Indian airspace, prompting Air Traffic Control (ATC) and security agencies to respond before the flight was diverted to Jaipur.

The aircraft was subsequently moved to an isolation bay to allow security teams to conduct checks.

Investigation underway

At the time of reporting, neither Air India nor Jaipur airport authorities had issued an official statement on the incident.

Further details about the origin of the alert and the circumstances surrounding the reported hijacking rumour were awaited as security agencies continued their investigation.

The nature of the alert had not been independently established in the reports available at the time of publication.

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.