India: Bomb threat forces evacuation of Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 2 Mar. 2

Event

A "non-specific" bomb threat prompted authorities to partially evacuate Terminal 2 at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) on the morning (local time) of Saturday, March 2. Security teams reportedly launched searches for suspicious items and behavior following reception of the threat. A heightened security presence and lingering flight disruptions, including flight delays and cancelations, are to be expected at BOM over the coming hours.

Context

Flight disruptions have already affected the airport in recent weeks due to ongoing maintenance operations, which started February 7. The airport's two runways are closed from 11:00 to 17:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays due to the maintenance work, which is scheduled through March 30.

The Indian government has issued an alert to airlines and airports across the country ordering the implementation of increased security measures following a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack in Pulwama district (Jammu and Kashmir state) on February 14, which killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary officers. Flight disruptions have been reported across India in recent days after authorities closed civilian airspace and suspended operations at several airports across northwest India on February 27.

Advice

Individuals flying via BOM over the coming hours are advised to monitor developments to the situation, report suspicious objects and behavior to police, confirm flight reservations, and contact their airline for additional information.