Akasa Air Pune-Delhi Flight Makes Emergency Landing at Mumbai Airport Over Bomb Rumours

A passenger on a Delhi-bound Akasa Air Flight QP 1148 from Pune who claimed to have a bomb in his backpack forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing at the Mumbai Airport. The flight was carrying 185 passengers.

As per further information, the flight, which was diverted to Mumbai airport, landed around 40 minutes after taking off from Pune airport on 21st October (Saturday). The flight finally left for its original destination around 6 am on Saturday after the bomb allegation turned out to be a hoax.

The police stated that around 2:30 am on Saturday, CISF personnel alerted the Mumbai Police, following which the luggage of the passengers on the flight was searched in the presence of Bomb Detection and Disposable Squad (BDDS) team and police personnel. However, no suspicious objects were found during the police investigation.

The passenger claimed to have had a bomb in his bag and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance after the plane landed at the Mumbai airport, complaining of chest pains. A relative of the passenger, who was with him, stated that the passenger had been taking medications for chest pain.

Akasa Air confirmed the incident in a statement “At 12:07 am on October 21, 2023, Akasa Air Flight QP1148, which was flying from Pune to Delhi with 185 passengers and 6 crew members on board, received a safety alert immediately after take-off. In accordance with security procedures, the aircraft diverted to Mumbai. The captain took all necessary emergency procedures and landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 12:42 am.”

After getting permission from the police, the plane took off for Delhi from the Mumbai airport around 6 am.

Mumbai Police is conducting further investigation into the matter.

Shreyas Vange