Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 22: An Air India flight en route from Birmingham to New Delhi was forced to make an emergency diversion to Riyadh on Saturday following a bomb threat. The aircraft landed safely in the Saudi capital, and all passengers were evacuated without incident.

In an official statement released on Sunday, Air India confirmed the development, stating: “Flight AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi on 21 June received a bomb threat and was consequently diverted to Riyadh where it landed safely and completed all security checks. All passengers have been deplaned and are being provided hotel accommodation.”

The Tata Group-owned airline assured that alternative arrangements are being made to transport passengers from Riyadh to their final destinations.

The incident comes as Air India continues to implement enhanced safety protocols in the wake of a tragic crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. The airline has voluntarily introduced stricter pre-flight safety checks and has temporarily scaled back operations to ensure greater stability and safety in flight scheduling.

“Despite all efforts, due to extraneous factors such as airspace closures in the Middle East, nighttime curfews at several airports in Europe and East Asia, air traffic congestion, and unforeseen operational issues, certain flights may still face delays or cancellations,” the airline said.

Air India acknowledged that such disruptions may occasionally occur at the last minute due to operational challenges, but reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and reliable service.