Lufthansa's Hyderabad-Bound Flight Diverted to Frankfurt Due to Bomb Threat
A Lufthansa flight (LH752) from Frankfurt to Hyderabad was diverted back to Frankfurt following a bomb threat posted on social media. Hyderabad airport authorities also received an email threat concerning the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline stated the decision was made out of "an abundance of caution" to ensure passenger safety. The aircraft returned to its origin airport, and necessary procedures were followed by security agencies.
Unpacked:
After the bomb threat, a bomb threat assessment committee was formed and all procedures were followed as per standard operating procedure (SOP), which typically includes evaluating the threat, informing the crew, advising diversion, and coordinating with security agencies at both airports to ensure passenger safety.
Passengers were not left stranded; Lufthansa provided overnight accommodation in Frankfurt, and arrangements were made for them to resume their journey to Hyderabad the following day.
The flight did not continue to Hyderabad because the bomb threat was received while the plane was still outside Indian airspace, and it did not receive permission to land at Hyderabad. Authorities advised returning to the origin or the nearest suitable airport for safety reasons.
Yes, days before this incident, a Delhi-bound Air India flight returned to Phuket Airport due to a bomb threat, and an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed (unrelated to bomb threats) shortly after takeoff, highlighting recent aviation safety concerns.