Air India Mumbai-New York Flight Returns Midway After Hoax Bomb Threat

An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was forced to return eight hours after take-off following a security threat received by the crew.

The Boeing 777 aircraft, carrying 303 passengers and 19 crew members, was flying over Azerbaijan when it changed course and headed back to Mumbai. Upon landing, bomb-detection procedures were carried out, but the threat was later confirmed to be a hoax.

The flight departed from Mumbai at approximately 2 am and landed back at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 10:25 am. Flight AI-119, which typically takes around 15 hours to reach John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, has now been rescheduled to depart at 5 am on 11 March, according to Air India.

Air India issued a statement explaining that the decision to return was made due to a potential security threat. The airline assured passengers that necessary arrangements had been made for their accommodation and well-being.

"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. The flight landed safely back in Mumbai at 1025 Hrs (local time)," Air India stated.

"The aircraft is undergoing mandatory checks by security agencies, and Air India is extending its full cooperation to the authorities. The flight has been rescheduled to operate at 0500 Hrs on 11 March 2025, and all passengers have been offered hotel accommodation, meals, and other assistance until then. Our colleagues on the ground are making sure to minimise the inconvenience caused to our passengers by this disruption. As always, Air India accords the highest priority to the safety of passengers and crew," an airline spokesperson added.