A Gulf Air flight en route from Bahrain to Hyderabad encountered a serious security scare late last night when authorities received an anonymous email claiming a bomb was set to explode at the destination airport upon the plane's arrival. The threat, received just minutes after the flight's departure, prompted swift action from airport officials but was later assessed as non-credible, allowing the aircraft to land safely without diversion.

Around 10:30 PM on February 11, the email landed in inboxes at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), bearing a provocative subject referencing "Holy Jihad" and attributing the plot to a group called the Tamil Liberation Organisation (TLO). It warned of radicals onboard targeting specific political figures and predicted blasts in the airport terminals.

Hyderabad's Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) convened immediately, classifying it as a vague, non-specific alert lacking verifiable details. Security was heightened instantly: CISF personnel conducted thorough sweeps of check-in areas and arrivals, deployed bomb detection squads, and ramped up random baggage and passenger screenings to cover all bases.

Unlike a similar hoax in November 2025 that forced a Gulf Air flight to divert to Mumbai for inspections, this incident avoided mid-air drama. The plane touched down without issues after security cleared the premises, underscoring refined protocols that prioritize targeted checks over blanket disruptions. Investigators are now tracing the email's source through cyber forensics, focusing on IP addresses and sender metadata—a routine that has exposed hoax perpetrators in dozens of prior cases across Indian airports.

This event fits a troubling pattern, with Indian airports logging over 100 bomb threat emails in late 2025, most proven as pranks from overseas or attention-seekers. Each false alarm drains resources—manpower, overtime, and delays—costing lakhs at hubs like RGIA, which sees 25 million passengers annually.

Aviation authorities emphasize that while 99% of threats fizzle out, vigilance remains key. Passengers are advised to stay alert, comply with crew directives, and report odd behavior promptly. Airlines, including Gulf Air, continue enhancing AI-driven email screening to preempt such scares. The investigation continues, but for now, normal operations have resumed at Hyderabad's key gateway. Travelers can expect continued robust security as India bolsters its skies against evolving threats.