An Air India flight traveling from Mumbai to New York was forced to return nearly eight hours after takeoff due to a security threat. The Boeing 777 aircraft, carrying 303 passengers and 19 crew members, was flying over Azerbaijan when the crew received the alert. As a precautionary measure, the flight changed course and returned to Mumbai, where bomb-detection procedures were conducted. The threat was later determined to be a hoax.
The flight had departed from Mumbai at approximately 2 a.m. and landed back at 10:25 a.m. Flight AI-119, operating from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, typically takes around 15 hours to complete the journey. Air India announced that the rescheduled flight would now depart at 5 a.m. the following day.
In an official statement, Air India explained that the decision to return was made in response to a possible security concern. The airline assured passengers that they were provided with accommodation, meals, and other necessary support.
“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 airline further elaborated that the aircraft was undergoing mandatory security checks. “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 of 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 Air India spokesperson said.
