'Bomb In My Bag?' Air India Passenger Held At Cochin Airport For 'Alarming' Remark During Security Check

The bomb remark at the Cochin International Airport was deemed non-specific, but the passenger was handed over to police.

A passenger on an Air India flight was apprehended at Cochin International Airport on Sunday morning after making an alarming remark to a CISF officialnat the X-ray Baggage Inspection System checkpoint, according to ANI. The passenger, identified as Manoj Kumar, 42, was scheduled to fly from Kochi to Mumbai.

According to an official statement from Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), during the pre-embarkation security check, Kumar asked the CISF officer, "Is there any bomb in my bag?" This comment raised immediate concern and led airport security to take action.

The airport authorities called in the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) to inspect the passenger's cabin and check-in baggage. After the necessary checks, the passenger was handed over to local police for further investigation.

According to a report in The Times of India, the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) assessed the situation and categorised the threat as "non-specific", meaning it wasn't credible but still warranted a full security response. The BTAC concluded its review, and the flight departed on time, as confirmed by CIAL.

Security measures at all airports have been raised due to the upcoming Independence Day, with Cochin International Airport advising passengers to arrive early to avoid delays caused by increased security during this busy season.

Bomb Hoax At Cochin International Airport

From the same airport, the incident of a fake bomb threat was reported on August 7. It caused a two-hour delay for a flight from Cochin International Airport to Thailand. The incident occurred during a security check for Thai Lion Air flight SL211. Following the incident, the passenger was handed over to the police.

According to a statement from Cochin International Airport Ltd,  the threat was issued by a passenger during the Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC) at gate number 19. The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee convened at 2 am at Terminal 3 and deemed the threat non-specific.

"However, due to the boarding of co-passengers under the same PNR, the committee directed that an SLPC and aircraft check be conducted after deplaning the passengers. The flight departed at 4.30 am. There was a delay of two hours," CIAL stated, as reported by PTI.