Air India Mumbai-New York Flight Returns After Mid-Air Threat

An Air India flight en route from Mumbai to New York was forced to return to its origin on Monday, March 10, 2025, after the crew received a bomb threat mid-flight. The Boeing 777 aircraft, operating as Flight AI119, had departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport when the alert came while it was flying over Azerbaijan, prompting an immediate decision to turn back. The flight, carrying over 320 passengers, safely returned to Mumbai after being airborne for four hours.

Upon arrival, the aircraft was isolated, and bomb-detection teams conducted a thorough inspection. Initial sources suggest the threat may be a hoax, though authorities are investigating its origin. 

This incident follows a wave of hoax threats targeting Indian carriers in recent months, raising concerns over aviation security protocols. The return from Azerbaijan, rather than a diversion to a closer airport, has sparked discussions online, but Air India emphasized adherence to standard procedures. The event underscores ongoing challenges in managing such disruptions effectively.