On June 13, a press conference was held at Phuket International Airport (HKT) regarding the bomb threat aboard Air India Flight AI 379, scheduled from Phuket to Delhi with 156 passengers. Present were Airport Director Montchai Tahanod, Deputy Directors Thwanchai Tansuriyawong and Pemika Sisakukam, and Mr. Debasish Choudhury, Air India’s Station Manager in Phuket, along with airport officials and media.
Director Montchai stated the airport received an alert at 9:30 a.m. from air traffic control after a threat was discovered in a note inside a rear lavatory. The pilot requested an emergency landing. The plane circled to reduce fuel weight before landing and was directed to a remote stand (Bay 31) to avoid operational disruption.
Emergency protocols were activated, and passengers underwent body and luggage screening. Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from Region 8 Police, Phuket Provincial Police, and airport security found no hazardous items. The aircraft was cleared at 4:15 p.m. after passengers identified their luggage for matching. One passenger opted not to continue the flight; 155 passengers resumed travel.
Although three passengers were initially suspected, there was insufficient evidence to detain them. Police collected DNA samples and are investigating further. Since the threat was discovered post-takeoff, any legal action must follow jurisdictional rules governed by the aircraft’s country of registration.
Station Manager Debasish Choudhury thanked all parties for their professionalism and confirmed this was the first such incident since Air India began operations at Phuket in December 2023. He noted passengers remained calm, understood the measures taken, and continue to trust Air India’s standards.