Bomb threat sparks panic at 15 airports

On Sunday, June 29, a bomb threat targeting 15 airports across India created panic and forced emergency responses at key locations, including Gorakhpur and Kanpur.

The threat was received via email around 10:18 AM, claiming that explosives had been planted in bags at various airports.

Gorakhpur airport drew special attention due to President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled visit the following day.

The situation became tense when the airport’s security officer noticed the email only at 1 PM because of the weekend holiday.

Immediate action followed. The Bomb Disposal Squad, Special Security Force (SSF), Indian Air Force, and local police were rushed to the site.

All passengers were gathered, and the aircraft was grounded as a full security sweep was carried out.

After nearly three hours of inspection, no suspicious item was found. By 4 PM, the airport was declared safe, and operations resumed.

The Airport Director lodged a complaint at the AIIMS police station, noting that the email appeared to be the work of mischievous elements. Kanpur airport, too, faced a similar threat.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) deployed at the Chakeri-based airport received the bomb threat email.

The alert prompted intensive checks before the evening flight to Mumbai. Officers from the Airport Authority and the Ministry of Civil Aviation closely monitored the situation.

The hoax email listed 15 airports, including Guwahati, Gwalior, Hubli, Imphal, Indore, Jabalpur, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Jorhat, Kanpur, Khajuraho, Mangaluru, Mysore, and Gorakhpur.

Each location launched heightened security operations to ensure passenger safety.

SP City confirmed a case was registered and that cyber experts are working to trace the email’s origin.

Authorities have assured strict action against those responsible for spreading false information and public panic.

This incident highlights growing challenges in handling digital threats to critical infrastructure.

While no explosives were found, the disruption caused was significant, especially ahead of high-profile visits and public travel.

Image Credit: NiteshSingh6789, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kanpur_Airport_2.jpg