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Nagpur – A bomb threat sent via email early Tuesday morning prompted a full security lockdown at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, but authorities confirmed after an extensive search that no suspicious items were found .
🚨 The Threat and Immediate Response
- The Airports Authority of India (AAI) received a bomb threat email around 06:30 AM local time, describing an improvised explosive device concealed within a packet resembling a cigarette pack .
- The message was relayed to airport officials by 10 AM, triggering the activation of emergency procedures. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Bomb Detection & Disposal Squad (BDDS), Sonegaon police, and a canine unit swiftly arrived on-site .
🔍 Security Sweep and Aftermath
- A thorough four-hour sweep covered runways, terminals, security zones, and baggage areas. No explosives or related threats were discovered.
- A case was registered under Section 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and floodlights remained up on-site as a precautionary measure .
- Normal flight operations reportedly resumed with minimal delays, underscoring efficient emergency handling .
📍 A Pattern of Hoaxes
- Tuesday’s bomb threat marks the fifth hoax targeting Nagpur airport since April 2024, reflecting a recurring campaign where fake threats are emailed to multiple Indian airports .
- In June and April of last year alone, similar incidents triggered security upgrades at Nagpur and at least 41 other airports—none turned out to be credible threats .
🧭 Wider Context & Implications
- These repeated hoaxes have not disrupted actual flight operations, thanks to coordinated response protocols.
- However, they underscore the importance of robust threat assessment and security readiness in India’s air travel ecosystem.
- Investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of these threat emails and identify any networks behind them .
