IA flight diversion precautionary measure against hijacking threat

Dubai: The diversion of the Indian Airlines aircraft to Al Minhad military air base in Dubai, on Tuesday night, was a precautionary measure against a perceived hijacking threat according to Dubai Police. Dubai Police said yesterday that they had received a tip off from Indian authorities that there were two suspects on board, who intended to hijack the aircraft.
_________________________
Passengers on diverted
plane praise officials
Relieved passengers said that they were
well cared for at Al Minhad airbase by
UAE officials and were provided with
water and refreshments."The cabin
crew informed us that the aircraft had
developed a technical snag and needed
to make an emergency landing. I had
a window seat and was quite surprised
to see ambulances and the fire brigade
as the aircraft was about to make land.
"The security check conducted by UAE
officials was very smooth. It was
commendable. UAE officials kept the
passengers calm," he added. After the
aircraft landed at the airbase, passengers
were taken to Dubai airport.
14/09/06 Sunita Menon/
Gulf News, United Arab Emirates
_________________________
The flight, IC 683, however returned to Mumbai yesterday morning with Indian airlines officials admitting that Dubai International Airport had received a call from Delhi pertaining to a bomb hoax. The flight captain also requested a quick landing clearance as he was running out of fuel.
The passengers were also allowed to disembark at the Al Minhad airbase. Their names were cross-checked against the passenger’s manifest and their luggage also carefully scrutinised. But the names of the two suspected passengers did not figure on the passengers list, the source said.
14/09/06 Khaleej Times, United Arab Emirates

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline