New York-bound Air India flight makes emergency landing in Mumbai after bomb threat

A New York-bound Air India flight returned to Mumbai after flying for over five hours on Monday, after a threat note was found in the toilet of the aircraft. The aircraft with 322 persons onboard landed safely at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

According to authorities, the flight had to alter its path and return to the airport from where it departed after a bomb threat was detected mid-journey. A spokesperson of Air India said, “A potential security threat was detected mid-flight on AI119 operating Mumbai-New York (JFK) today, March 10, 2025. After following the necessary protocols, the flight returned to Mumbai, in the interest of the safety and security of all on board.” 

Air India authorities said the flight landed in Mumbai at 10.25am and necessary security checks are being carried out. “The flight landed safely back in Mumbai at 1025 Hrs (local time). The aircraft is undergoing mandatory checks by security agencies, and Air India is extending its full cooperation to the authorities,” ANI reported quoting the airline’s spokesperson. However, the threat was found to be a hoax.

According to officials, the aircraft departed at 2am from Mumbai and altered its journey while it was flying over Azerbaijan. A usual flight journey from Mumbai to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York takes about 15 hours. 

The flight will next depart from Mumbai at 5am on Tuesday. The airline said passengers have been provided with accommodation, meals and other necessary support.