Phuket: An Air India flight with 155 passengers has safely departed Phuket airport for Delhi following an exhaustive inspection that found no bombs, despite a threatening note discovered on board. Three Indian nationals were initially questioned but subsequently released due to a lack of evidence. The incident did not disrupt regular airport operations.
According to Thai News Agency, the bomb threat was reported at 9:30 a.m. when the Phuket Airport Control Tower was notified by the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd. The crew of Air India flight AI 379, en route from Phuket to Delhi, discovered a menacing note in the bathroom, reading 'F. you all bomb'. In response, the airline initiated an emergency landing at Phuket Airport, where an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was established to manage the situation.
The aircraft was directed to a designated parking area for a comprehensive search of passengers and their belongings. All 156 passengers were relocated to a holding area during the search, which was conducted by Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers. Despite the scare, Phuket Airport continued its operations without interruption, and general passengers remained calm.
The Director of Phuket Airport, Mr. Manchai Tahonot, reported that the plane circled to reduce weight before landing, allowing for an inspection of passengers and luggage in accordance with EOC procedures. After four hours of meticulous searching and questioning, no suspicious items were found. The flight eventually departed for Delhi at 4:15 p.m., albeit with one passenger who chose not to travel.
Though three foreign nationals were identified as suspects, conclusive evidence linking them to the note was lacking, and they were released. The responsibility for further investigation now lies with Air India, as jurisdiction transfers to the destination country once the aircraft door closes. Meanwhile, Phuket police are gathering evidence for a more profound investigation.
Mr. Debasis Choudhury, station manager of Por India Airlines in Phuket, noted the absence of CCTV coverage near the toilet, complicating efforts to identify who placed the note. Passengers were scrutinized based on proximity to the toilet and seating issues, but details remain undisclosed. Air India continues to operate three direct flights daily between Delhi and Phuket.