Ammunition Cartridge Discovered on Air India Flight from Dubai to Delhi: Investigation Launched

Ammunition Cartridge Discovered on Air India Flight from Dubai to Delhi: Investigation Launched

A live cartridge was found in a seat pocket on an Air India flight after it landed from Dubai on October 27, prompting the Delhi Police to begin an investigation into a security violation. reported that Air India employees discovered the ammo while doing standard cleaning. A thorough investigation is currently in progress after a formal complaint was made under the Arms Act. A representative for Air India acknowledged the event, saying, “On October 27, after our flight AI916 had landed from Dubai at Delhi and all passengers had safely disembarked, one ammunition cartridge was found in the pocket of a seat.” The representative further stated that, in compliance with established security procedures, a complaint was swiftly submitted to the Airport Police.

A concerning pattern of fictitious bomb threats against Indian flights coincides with this episode. Bomb threats that were ultimately shown to be false alarms have been sent to more than 510 domestic and international aircraft in the last two weeks alone. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has released new recommendations for intelligence and civil aviation security services to handle these changing security threats. These include determining the gravity of bomb threats by taking into account the geopolitical environment, the presence of VIPs on board, and the anonymity of the social media handle utilized.

In order to assess whether threats against airlines or airport facilities are “specific” and serious or “non-specific” and hoaxes, a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) is gathered at selected airports.