Moscow-Goa Flight With 244 Onboard Lands In Gujarat After Bomb Threat

A chartered flight from Moscow to Goa with 244 people onboard was diverted to Gujarat's Jamnagar, a move which was triggered after Goa Air traffic controller received a bomb threat, officials said on Monday.

"All the 236 passengers and crew members (8) were evacuated safely and the plane is being checked by local authorities along with the police and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad," said Inspector General of Police (Rajkot and Jamnagar Range), Ashok Kumar Yadav.

The aircraft, say Jamnagar airport officials, is in an isolation bay.

"The Embassy was alerted by the Indian authorities about the alleged bomb scare on the Azur Air flight en route from Moscow to Goa. The aircraft has made an emergency landing at Jamnagar Indian Air Force Base. Everyone on board is safe. The authorities are conducting a thorough inspection of the aircraft," said the Russian Embassy in a statement.

The plane landed safely at Jamnagar (defence) airport at 9:49 pm, said Jamnagar airport director.

All passengers were deboarded and authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, he added.

Meanwhile, a Goa Police officer said the flight which took off from Moscow was supposed to land at the Dabolim airport. Goa Police has increased security in and around the Dabolim airport as a precaution, he said.