The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) scrambled two fighter jets on Tuesday to escort an Air India Express flight following a bomb threat. The aircraft, operating flight IX 684 from Madurai to Singapore, was safely escorted to Changi Airport after the threat was received.
Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen confirmed that Air India Express had received an email warning of a bomb on board the flight. “Two of our RSAF F-15SGs scrambled and escorted the plane away from populated areas, to finally land safely at Singapore Changi Airport at around 10:04 pm,” Ng said in a series of posts on X.
Swift Emergency Response
Singapore’s Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams were activated as part of the response. Once the aircraft landed safely, it was handed over to the airport police, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. Ng commended the professionalism of the SAF and the Home Team for their swift actions in ensuring public safety.
The number of passengers on board the flight has not yet been confirmed, and there has been no immediate statement from Air India Express regarding the incident.
Bomb Threats Also Reported on Air India’s Delhi-Chicago Flight
Earlier the same day, an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit Airport in Canada following a bomb threat. Air India said the aircraft and passengers were being re-screened in line with security protocols, with local agencies assisting passengers until the flight could resume.
In recent days, Air India and other local carriers have received multiple threats, most of which have turned out to be hoaxes. Air India assured customers that all threats are treated seriously, expressing regret for any inconvenience caused.