 "After Red Fort blast, how bomb threats triggered panic at airports across India")
Two days after a powerful explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort, several airports across India received bomb threats, setting off a wave of panic and tighter security checks. Airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, reported receiving threats, prompting immediate emergency protocols at major airports.
According to a News18 report, at least five airports across India, including those in Delhi and Mumbai, were placed on high alert after IndiGo flagged the threat message to authorities.
Police and security agencies quickly investigated the matter, and the threat was later confirmed to be a hoax. Still, the spate of alerts, coming so soon after the Red Fort blast, has stirred anxiety among travellers and raised fresh questions about how safe it is to fly right now.
So, what exactly happened, and is it safe to travel? Here’s a closer look.
Airlines receive fake bomb threats
Around 3:30 pm, IndiGo Airlines received a chilling email on its grievance portal warning of bomb threats at multiple airports, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Hyderabad.
The airline immediately launched precautionary checks across all these locations. “Following the information, precautionary checks have been conducted at all locations,” IndiGo said in a statement.
Authorities later confirmed that the threat was ‘non-specific’, meaning it lacked any credible or actionable details. Still, airport security teams tightened vigilance and carried out full-scale checks as per standard protocol.
In Delhi, police officials said the fire brigade received a call claiming a bomb had been found at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Teams rushed to the spot, only to discover that the call was a hoax. “An investigation has been initiated into the source of the call,” a Delhi Police official told NDTV.
Meanwhile, a separate email threatened an Air India Express flight from Varanasi to Mumbai, claiming a bomb had been planted on board. Varanasi airport authorities swung into action, initiating immediate security checks and alerting the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee.
“One of our flights to Varanasi received a security threat. In line with protocol, the Government-appointed Bomb Threat Assessment Committee was immediately alerted, and all necessary security procedures promptly initiated," an Air India Express spokesperson said, as quoted by The Times of India.
"One of our flights to Varanasi received a security threat. In line with protocol, the Government-appointed Bomb Threat Assessment Committee was immediately alerted, and all necessary security procedures promptly initiated. The flight landed safely and all passengers have been…
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2025
According to airport intelligence sources cited by TOI, 176 passengers were on board the Air India Express flight. The bomb disposal squad thoroughly examined the aircraft and passengers’ luggage before clearing it for operation.
“The flight landed safely, and all passengers have been disembarked. The aircraft will be released for operations once all mandated security checks are completed,” the spokesperson added.
These hoax threats come just two days after a car explosion near the Red Fort metro station in Delhi, which claimed 12 lives and put the entire nation on edge. The blast had already led to tightened security at major transportation hubs, including airports, railway stations, and metro networks, before these new alerts arrived.
As per sources quoted by News18, the recent terror plot was intended to target multiple iconic landmarks in central Delhi, including the Red Fort, India Gate, the Constitution Club, and the Gauri Shankar Temple.
While all the bomb threats have so far turned out to be hoaxes, officials say such incidents are being treated with seriousness, especially given the timing and the ongoing security concerns in the capital.
Is it safe to travel to Delhi?
For travellers flying in or out of Delhi or other major Indian airports, the good news is that so far operations remain normal. However, passengers should be prepared for heightened security checks as a precautionary measure.
Passenger Advisory issued at 14:41 Hours#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/Ge7It0XyBk
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) November 11, 2025
Following the recent Red Fort blast, both the United States and the United Kingdom had earlier issued travel advisories for their citizens.
The US Embassy and Consulates in India have urged American nationals to steer clear of areas “surrounding the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk in Delhi.” They’ve also advised travellers to avoid large crowds and monitor local media for the latest updates. “Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in locations frequented by tourists,” the advisory added.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has also updated its travel guidance, warning citizens against all travel to certain parts of India. “There has been an explosion at the Red Fort (Lal Qila) Metro Station, New Delhi. If you’re in the immediate area, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media,” the FCDO said on its official website.
Security has been tightened across several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, following the deadly explosion. The Uttar Pradesh Police announced on X that security arrangements at “important establishments, religious sites, crowded places, and other sensitive points” are being reviewed and reinforced.
While there’s no confirmed ongoing threat, authorities continue to maintain tight security at major transport hubs and public spaces. Travellers are advised to remain cautious, follow airport and local instructions, and allow extra time for traffic and security checks.
With input from agencies
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