Vistara, a Mumbai-based Indian airline, has sent an alternative aircraft and new crew to fly the stranded passengers of its Mumbai-Frankfurt flight after it was diverted to Turkey due to a bomb threat. The flight was scheduled to arrive in Frankfurt at 5:30 PM local time but was delayed due to the incident. The substitute aircraft is expected to arrive at the Turkish airport at 12:25 PM and depart for Frankfurt by 2:30 PM local time.
Vistara Diverts Mumbai-Frankfurt Flight to Turkey Due to Bomb Threat
Background:
Vistara is a full-service Indian airline headquartered in Mumbai. It is a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines. Known for its premium services and on-time performance, Vistara has been consistently ranked among the top airlines in India.
Incident Details:
On Thursday, January 19, 2023, Vistara flight UK210 from Mumbai to Frankfurt was diverted to Istanbul, Turkey, after receiving a bomb threat. The flight was scheduled to depart at 1:15 AM IST and arrive in Frankfurt at 5:30 PM CET.
According to Vistara, the threat was received via email and alerted the airline's security team. The pilot immediately contacted air traffic control and initiated the diversion procedure. The plane landed safely in Istanbul at 10:25 AM IST.
Response and Resolution:
Upon landing in Istanbul, the passengers were disembarked and screened by Turkish authorities. No suspicious items were found. However, the aircraft itself was thoroughly inspected by security personnel as a precaution.
Vistara promptly dispatched an alternative aircraft and a new crew to fly the stranded passengers to Frankfurt. The substitute aircraft arrived in Istanbul at 12:25 PM IST and departed for Frankfurt at 2:30 PM IST. The flight was expected to arrive in Frankfurt around 6:30 PM CET.
FAQs:
What is a bomb threat? A bomb threat is an intentional or knowing communication that threatens to place or detonate an explosive or incendiary device.
What is the protocol for handling bomb threats on aircraft? When a bomb threat is received, the pilot is required to contact air traffic control and follow established security protocols. These protocols may include diverting the plane to the nearest suitable airport.
How was the Vistara flight UK210 diverted to Istanbul? The flight was diverted to Istanbul after receiving a bomb threat via email. The pilot immediately contacted air traffic control and initiated the diversion procedure.
What happened to the passengers on board flight UK210? The passengers were disembarked and screened by Turkish authorities after the plane landed in Istanbul. No suspicious items were found.
What is Vistara doing to address the situation? Vistara has dispatched an alternative aircraft and a new crew to fly the stranded passengers to Frankfurt. The airline has also been cooperating with authorities to investigate the incident.
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