Bomb threat on Iran-China flight while in Indian airspace, IAF jets scrambled

The call was received around 9.30 am regarding a bomb threat on a Mahan Air flight, travelling from Tehran to Gangzhou.

New Delhi: Indian security agencies received inputs of a possible bomb onboard an Airbus A340 aircraft operated by Iranian carrier Mahan Air early Monday, when the plane was in Indian airspace — leading to Air Force jets being scrambled, according to reports.

According to sources, the passenger aircraft was on its way from Tehran to Guangzhou in China when an alert was triggered. The aircraft initially started its descent from its cruising altitude of 35,000 feet to 21,000 feet while in a holding position, around 200 km west of Delhi. It then exited the holding position and climbed back up to 35,000 feet before flying westward.

It later entered the Bangladesh airspace and was on its way to China.

The Indian Air Force, in a statement, said: “On October 3, 2022, intimation was received of a bomb scare on an airline bearing Iranian registration, when it was transiting through Indian airspace. IAF fighter aircraft were scrambled, which followed the aircraft at a safe distance. The aircraft was offered the option to land at Jaipur & then, at Chandigarh. However, the pilot declared his unwillingness to divert to either of the two airports.”