The Royal Air Force (RAF) scrambled Typhoon fighters to intercept an Air India passenger jet after a bomb threat was reported on board. The incident occurred while the Boeing 777-300 was circling over Norfolk. Fortunately, the RAF confirmed that the situation ended without incident, allowing the aircraft to continue on its original flight path to Heathrow Airport.
The Air India flight, designated AI129, was traveling from Mumbai to London when the threat was communicated. An Air India spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft landed safely at Heathrow, with all passengers and crew disembarking unharmed. Audio captured by a Dutch plane spotter revealed that the captain had alerted air traffic control to the suspected bomb, requesting priority for landing due to the serious nature of the threat.
As the RAF jets raced to intercept the aircraft, a loud sonic boom resonated across Norfolk, startling residents in the area. Many reported hearing a significant bang, likening it to a truck crash, with vibrations felt in homes. The sonic boom was reported around 12:40 BST, coinciding with the RAF’s rapid response to the aircraft’s situation.
RAF Typhoon Fighters Intercept Air India Jet After Bomb Threat, Situation Resolved Safely
Tracking data from Flightradar24 showed that the Air India jet had diverted its course over the North Sea before circling over Norfolk and parts of Suffolk. By the time it was intercepted, the plane was positioned just off the Essex coast. Air India emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and expressed gratitude for the support provided by local authorities during the incident.
This alarming incident is part of a broader trend, as over a dozen Indian flights have received hoax bomb threats recently, leading to significant delays and diversions. An Air Akasa flight bound for Bengaluru was redirected to Delhi under similar circumstances.
In light of these events, Air India announced its cooperation with authorities to identify those responsible for these threats and ensure accountability. The RAF confirmed that the Typhoon fighters were authorized to fly at supersonic speeds due to the urgency of the situation.
