In the midst of escalating tensions between India and Canada, a series of bomb threats targeted Indian flights just days after both countries expelled six diplomats from each other. On the 15th of October, two flights from India received bomb threats, prompting both to make emergency landings.
According to reports from outlets such as The Guardian, a flight operated by Air India heading to Chicago on the 14th suddenly received a bomb threat from an Indian passenger. The aircraft was diverted and made an emergency landing at Iqaluit Airport in Canada, approximately 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The 211 passengers and crew on board were subjected to a security re-check to ensure no suspicious items were present.
Shortly thereafter, another flight by IndiGo Airline, bound for Singapore, also received a bomb threat. Singapore police reported that they were informed at 8:25 PM on the 15th about a bomb on flight AXB684. In response, the Singapore Air Force dispatched two fighter jets for escort, and the aircraft landed safely at Changi Airport at 10:04 PM. Investigators boarded the flight but found no suspicious items. Preliminary inquiries indicated that the threat to IndiGo was communicated via email.
Air India noted that they, along with other airlines, have faced numerous threats recently. A flight from Mumbai to New York was redirected to Delhi after receiving a hoax bomb threat on the 14th, while IndiGo reported threats against two of its flights traveling to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Muscat, Oman.
These bomb threats unfolded amidst a diplomatic crisis between Canada and India. On October 14, the Canadian government expelled a senior Indian diplomat and five others, citing their involvement in the murder and extortion of a Sikh leader. In retaliation, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its envoy to Canada, pushing bilateral relations to the brink of collapse.
