Srinagar, May 31: Flight operations at the Srinagar International Airport were temporarily suspended on Friday following a hoax bomb threat targeting an Air Vistara flight from New Delhi, officials said.
The Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Srinagar airport received the bomb threat around noon, leading to an immediate and coordinated response from airport authorities and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which handles the airport security.
The flight, Vistara UK611, was carrying 178 passengers.
On receiving the threat, the flight was swiftly directed to an isolation bay upon landing.
Following established safety protocols, the CISF quickly evacuated the aircraft and conducted a thorough search of the plane and its surroundings.
Passengers and crew members were escorted to a secure area while the investigation was underway. Bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs were activated to meticulously inspect the aircraft for any suspicious items.
Following the all-clear, flight operations, which had been halted for about an hour, resumed.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the origin of the threat call to determine its source and motive.
“There was a call and utmost caution was taken,” Director Srinagar International Airport, Javed Anjum told Greater Kashmir.
He said that the flight operations were halted for about an hour.
“Searches were carried out by security officials, and nothing was found,” Anjum said.
After an exhaustive search, no explosives were found onboard.
An airport official confirmed that the threat was deemed “non-credible”, and normal operations resumed shortly thereafter.
“All necessary precautions were taken to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Flights have now resumed as per schedule,” the official said.
Passengers at the airport praised the efficiency and professionalism of the CISF and airport authorities in managing the situation without causing undue panic.
Enhanced security measures remain in place to ensure the continued safety of all flights operating through Srinagar International Airport.
Authorities are now investigating the origin of the threat call.
Enhanced security measures remain in place to ensure the continued safety of all flights operating through the Srinagar International Airport.