SINGAPORE (ANN/STRAITS TIMES) – Security checks have confirmed that no threatening items were found aboard an Air India Express flight bound for Singapore from India, following an alleged bomb threat. The low-cost carrier’s aircraft, flight AXB684, landed safely at Changi Airport on the evening of October 15, escorted by fighter jets from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
The airline had received an e-mail about the bomb threat on the flight, which had departed from the southern Indian city of Madurai. Two RSAF F-15 fighter jets were immediately scrambled, escorting the plane, which landed at Changi Airport at 10.04pm—more than an hour after its scheduled 8.50pm arrival.
According to the police, they were informed of the bomb threat at 8.25pm and swiftly conducted security checks once the plane had landed. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities warning that action will be taken against anyone who causes public alarm intentionally.
Flight tracker Flightradar24 showed that the plane circled for about an hour in Singapore’s eastern airspace before landing.
In a Facebook post, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen praised the swift response, saying, “Two of our RSAF’s F-15SGs scrambled and escorted the plane away from populated areas, ensuring it landed safely at Changi Airport at 10.04pm. Our Ground-Based Air Defence systems and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams were also activated.”
Upon landing, the aircraft was handed over to airport police for further checks. Minister Ng expressed his gratitude, adding, “Many thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team for keeping us safe, even in the face of potential threats.”
This incident is one of several bomb threats reported on Indian flights on October 15, prompting emergency checks. Local media in India reported at least five similar threats. One Air India Express flight, bound for Ayodhya, received a bomb threat via phone call, while an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago made an emergency landing in Canada after receiving an online security threat, according to AFP.
