India: Additional sporadic bomb threats likely nationwide through at least early November /update 1

Further bomb threats are likely to sporadically occur across India through at least early November. In recent days, several hoax bomb threats on social media have disrupted at least 20 domestic and international flights operated by major Indian airlines - including Air India Express (IX), Akasa Air (QP), IndiGo (6E), SpiceJet (SG), and Vistara (UK) - prompting emergency landings, evacuations, and flight diversions. Notably, an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was rerouted to New Delhi before being evacuated for an explosives search. Any additional bomb threats against air travel will likely cause similar flight disruptions.

In response, officials in India have launched investigations to determine the nature of these incidents and conducted counterterrorism drills at various airports, prompting related flight delays. The government has also deployed additional air marshals as a precaution.

In recent months, bomb threats have also impacted other public locations, such as hospitals and shopping malls, including in the National Capital Region (NCR). While most bomb threats have been hoaxes, they have nonetheless prompted authorities to impose heightened security measures, including evacuation orders and cordons, in affected locations; further bomb threats will likely prompt officials to implement similar security measures as well as launch search operations. Localized ground transport and business disruptions may affect any areas subject to cordons and road closures.