An Air India direct flight from New Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit Airport in Canada today due to a hoax bomb threat posted online. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as six flights have been grounded in just 48 hours after receiving similar threats.

Today, in addition to the Air India flight AI127, which was en route from Delhi to Chicago, other flights including a Dammam-Lucknow IndiGo flight and an Ayodhya-Bengaluru Air India Express were also grounded due to security concerns. Just yesterday, two IndiGo flights and one Air India flight faced fake threats.

In a statement regarding the diversion, Air India confirmed, "Flight AI127 operating from Delhi to Chicago on October 15, 2024, was the subject of a security threat posted online and, as a precautionary measure, has landed at Iqaluit Airport in Canada." The aircraft, a Boeing 777, took off at 3:00 AM IST and was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 7:00 AM US time. As of 5:38 PM IST, the flight remains at Iqaluit, awaiting further instructions.

The airline assured passengers that "the aircraft and passengers are being re-screened as per the laid down security protocol." Air India has activated local agencies to assist passengers during this delay.

IndiGo also commented on the situation regarding flight 6E 98 from Dammam to Lucknow, emphasizing that the safety and security of passengers and crew is their highest priority. They are collaborating closely with relevant authorities to ensure all necessary precautions are taken.

The hoax threats originated from an unverified X handle, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is currently investigating the matter to determine the source and motive behind these alarming incidents.