A passenger was detained at Cochin International Airport on Sunday morning after making an alarming comment during security checks. Manoj Kumar, 42, was scheduled to fly from Kochi to Mumbai on Air India flight AI 682. While passing through the X-ray Baggage Inspection System (XBIS), Kumar asked a CISF officer if there was a bomb in his bag.
This comment triggered an immediate response, with the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) conducting a thorough inspection of both his cabin and checked baggage. No threat was found, but Kumar was removed from the flight and handed over to local police for further investigation. The flight proceeded as planned.
Airports take any mention of threats, such as “bomb” or “hijack,” very seriously. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security emphasizes that even joking about such threats can lead to significant delays and fines. It is important to avoid making statements like “I have a bomb in my bag,” as these are considered serious offenses and are strictly against the law.
A similar incident occurred in June when a passenger on the Kochi to London Gatwick Air India flight was arrested for making a bomb threat, which was later confirmed to be a hoax. Shuhaib (30) from Malappuram, made the threat in a call to Air India’s customer care after his request to reschedule due to his daughter’s food poisoning was denied.
Security measures have been intensified at all airports, including Cochin, through August 20 in preparation for Independence Day celebrations. Travelers are advised to arrive early to accommodate longer processing times and ensure a smooth journey amid heightened security.