Ammunition Discovered on Air India Flight from Dubai to Delhi Sparks Investigation

A live cartridge was discovered on an Air India flight from Dubai to Delhi during routine cleaning. Authorities have initiated an investigation to understand how this security breach occurred, registering an FIR under the Arms Act.

P24 News Media

November 02, 2024

1 minute

India

Incident Details

On October 27, a routine cleaning operation on an Air India flight from Dubai to Delhi uncovered a live round of ammunition tucked inside a seat pocket. This alarming discovery prompted immediate action by Air India staff, leading to the involvement of the Delhi Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Investigation Underway

Officials from the Delhi Police have initiated a thorough investigation into the potential security breach that allowed a live ammunition cartridge on board flight AI916. Following standard procedures, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under the Arms Act, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Air India Statement

An Air India spokesperson confirmed the situation, stating, "A live ammunition cartridge was found in the pocket of a seat on our flight AI916 after it had safely landed in Delhi from Dubai." The spokesperson further reassured passengers that all individuals had disembarked safely prior to this discovery.

Immediate Actions Taken

In compliance with security protocols, Air India promptly lodged a complaint with the Airport Police. The swift response underscores the airline's commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards for its passengers and crew.

Context of Recent Threats

The discovery of the live round coincides with a surge in hoax bomb threats targeting various airlines operating in India. Over the past two weeks, more than 510 flights have received such threats, all of which were ultimately deemed hoaxes. The increasing frequency of these incidents has raised concerns among aviation authorities.

New Security Protocols

In light of the evolving landscape of aviation security threats, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued updated guidelines. These are designed to address emerging challenges, particularly those associated with threats disseminated through social media platforms.

Bomb Threat Assessment Committee

The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) plays a crucial role in assessing the nature of threats against airlines and airports. This committee determines whether reported bomb threats are serious or merely a hoax based on various criteria, including the anonymity of the source and the geopolitical context.

Conclusion

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and preventing future incidents. Air India, along with law enforcement, is taking all necessary steps to address this troubling event and reinforce security measures across the airline industry.