Singapore Deploys Fighter Jets After Air India Bomb Threat

Singapore scrambled fighter jets to escort an Air India Express flight to safety after a bomb threat was reported on board. The aircraft, operating flight IX 684 from Madurai to Singapore, received the threat mid-flight, prompting immediate action from Singapore’s Armed Forces.

According to Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, the alarm was raised through an email alerting the presence of a bomb on the Air India Express flight AXB684. “Two of our RSAF F-15SGs scrambled and escorted the plane away from populated areas, landing safely at Singapore Changi Airport at around 10:04 pm,” Ng shared on the social media platform, X.

Additional security measures were implemented, including the activation of Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. Upon landing, the aircraft was handed over to the airport police, who have since initiated a formal investigation.

The incident adds to a series of bomb threats that have caused disruptions to flight operations in recent days. Affected flights include the Air India Express flight IX 684 as well as other international routes operated by different airlines. Airline companies and aviation authorities are calling for stricter measures to tackle what they describe as a recurring issue that impinges on passenger safety and airline operations.

A spokesman for Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience caused but stressed the necessity of treating all threats with due seriousness. “Airlines are urging government action against these threats, which disrupt schedules and cost significantly. Air India will consider legal action to recover damages,” the spokesperson said.

Recent incidents have led aviation companies to reinforce calls for stronger deterrents. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has proposed stricter sanctions for those issuing false threats. However, effective implementation is pending due to legal complexities.

D Zulfiquar Hasan, Director General of BCAS, confirmed that all safety protocols were strictly followed during the threats and reassured the public about the safety of air travel. “All flights are safe and our skies remain secure,” he stated, urging cooperation from law enforcement to bring the offenders to justice.

Meanwhile, airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet have echoed these sentiments, emphasizing passenger safety as their top priority, promising cooperation with authorities, and stating that they are taking all necessary precautions to minimize disruptions.