2 days ago
Bomb Note Forces Air India Express Flight To Ahmedabad
A plane was flying from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to New Delhi.
A crew member found tissue paper in the bathroom with the word “bomb” written on it.
The pilots treated the message as a serious warning and changed the plane’s route to Ahmedabad.
The plane landed safely on Monday afternoon.
All 32 passengers left the aircraft and were taken to a safe area.
Security teams, bomb experts, firefighters, and dogs searched the plane.
They did not find a bomb or any other dangerous object.
Officials are investigating who left the note and whether it was a hoax.
A Dammam-to-New Delhi Air India Express flight carrying 32 passengers diverted to Ahmedabad after a crew member found “bomb” written on tissue paper in the lavatory.
The pilots alerted air traffic control and landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at about 4:22–4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Passengers were deboarded at Terminal 2 and moved to a secure area while security agencies examined the aircraft.
Searches by security personnel, bomb-disposal teams, firefighters, and sniffer dogs found no bomb, explosive substance, or suspicious object, and no injuries were reported.
Authorities launched an investigation into the suspected hoax, while reports differed over whether the aircraft had been cleared to resume its journey.
- Who
- The crew and 32 passengers of an Air India Express flight; airport security agencies and Ahmedabad police responded.
- What
- A Delhi-bound flight diverted to Ahmedabad after a crew member found “bomb” written on tissue paper in the lavatory.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to New Delhi, and landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
- When
- Monday, August 31, 2026, at approximately 4:22–4:30 p.m. IST.
- Why
- The pilots diverted the aircraft as a precaution after the threatening message was discovered.
Reported Cleared Status
Checks Still Pending
Whether the aircraft could continue
Reported Cleared Status
One report said airport authorities found no threat and cleared the aircraft to complete its journey.
Checks Still Pending
The Air India Express statement said the aircraft would be released for operations only after necessary security checks were completed; another report said inspections were still underway.
Airline identification
Reported Cleared Status
Several reports and the airline statement identified the aircraft as an Air India Express flight.
Checks Still Pending
Some reports referred to it more generally as an Air India flight, creating a discrepancy in the aircraft’s branding.
Key facts
- Flight route
- Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to New Delhi
- Passengers
- 32
- Threat message
- The word “bomb” was written on tissue paper found in the aircraft lavatory.
- Landing airport
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
- Landing time
- Approximately 4:22–4:30 p.m. IST
- Security findings
- No bomb, explosive substance, suspicious object, or injuries were reported.
- Response
- Passengers were deboarded and security agencies inspected the aircraft and its surroundings.
- Investigation
- Authorities are investigating the suspected hoax and who placed the note.
Quotes
Atul Bansal
Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone 4, Ahmedabad
“All of them have been deboarded and their questioning is being done. Security agencies are also checking the plane. Once the checking is over, an offence will be registered.”
indianexpress.com
“The aircraft made an emergency landing at the Ahmedabad International Airport at around 4:30pm after a crew member found a tissue paper having text "bomb" written on it”
telegraphindia.com
wionews.com
Air India Express spokesperson
Spokesperson for Air India Express
“One of our flights from Dammam to Delhi was diverted to Ahmedabad as a precaution and in keeping with security protocols after being notified of a specific bomb threat. The government-appointed Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) was alerted immediately, and all security procedures promptly initiated.”
republicworld.com
“The government-appointed Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) was alerted immediately, and all security procedures were promptly initiated. The flight landed, and all guests have been disembarked safely. The aircraft will be released for operations after necessary security checks are completed.”
wionews.com
Sources
‘Bomb’ Written On Tissue Paper Forces Air India Express Dammam-Delhi Flight To Make Emergency Landing In Ahmedabad
Air India Express From Dammam Makes Emergency Landing In Ahmedabad After 'Bomb' Note Found In Lavatory; Aircraft Cleared After Security Sweep
Dammam-Delhi Air India Express flight lands in Ahmedabad after bomb scare
Air India flight from Saudi Arabia makes emergency landing at Ahmedabad airport after bomb threat









