IAF scrambles jets to intercept China-bound Iran flight after 'bomb threat'

The incident happened in the morning when flight W581 was flying over Indian airspace

The Indian Air Force (IAF) Monday scrambled its Su-30MKI jets after the force was informed about a "bomb scare" on board an Iranian aircraft that was flying to China through the Indian airspace.

"IAF fighter aircraft were scrambled. They followed the aircraft at a safe distance. The aircraft was offered the option to land at Jaipur and then, at Chandigarh. However, the pilot declared his unwillingness to divert to either of the two airports," the IAF said in a statement.

The passenger jet, operated by Mahan Air, hovered over India for about 40 minutes before it was allowed to leave. The aircraft was on its way from Tehran and Guangzhou.

Around 9.20 am, Delhi Police received an alert about the bomb threat on the plane. The Air Traffic Controller of Delhi airport didn't allow the aircraft to land. Instead, the ATC instructed the plane to divert to Jaipur, but the pilot refused.

This was when Su-30MKI combat jets took off from Halwara and Jodhpur to intercept the passenger flight.

After a while, intimation was received from Tehran to disregard the bomb scare, following which the aircraft continued on its journey towards its final destination. The IAF fighter jets followed the plane from a safe distance.

"It was a false alarm," said an IAF officer.

All actions were taken by the IAF as per the laid down procedure, jointly with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. The aircraft was under close radar surveillance by the air force throughout the Indian airspace.