Bomb Scare Makes New York-Bound Air India Aircraft Return To Mumbai

An Air India flight that was bound for New York had to return to Mumbai midway due to a bomb scare.

Sources said that the aircraft, which had more than 320 people, landed safely at Mumbai and that security agencies are conducting mandatory checks on the plane.

“A potential security threat was detected mid-flight on AI119 operating Mumbai-New York (JFK) today, 10 March 2025. After following the necessary protocols, the flight air-returned to Mumbai in the interest of the safety and security of all on board,” Air India said in a statement.

The sources added that a note was found in one of the lavatories of the plane.

Of the 322 people on board the Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, 19 were crew members, one of the sources said.

According to the airline, the flight landed safely back in Mumbai at 10:25 a.m. local time.

“The aircraft is undergoing mandatory checks by security agencies, and Air India is extending its full cooperation to the authorities,” it said.

Now, the flight has been rescheduled to operate at 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

All passengers have been offered hotel accommodation, meals, and other assistance until then, the airline said.

—With PTI inputs