Indian passenger plane makes emergency landing in Turkey after bomb threat

A flight operated by India's Vistara Airlines made an emergency landing on Friday around 4.30 p.m. (1330 GMT) in Erzurum in eastern Turkey after a piece of paper with "bomb on board" written on it was found in a lavatory, Turkish officials said.

Two bomb disposal experts and one search dog were continuing to search the aircraft, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on social media platform X, adding that 234 passengers and 13 crew had been safely evacuated.

"Vistara flight UK 27 operating from Mumbai to Frankfurt has been diverted to Turkey due to a security concern that was noted by our crew while onboard," a Vistara spokesperson told Reuters, confirming the aircraft had landed at Erzurum.

"As per protocol, the relevant authorities were immediately alerted and we are fully cooperating with the security agencies to complete the mandatory security checks," the spokesperson said.

Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu later told broadcaster TGRT Haber that authorities had not yet found anything that could be a bomb or posed a threat on the plane.

He said Turkey had extended a halt to landings and take-offs at Erzurum Airport to 11 p.m. local time - initially set for 9 p.m. - as a precautionary measure.

Vistara Airlines is an Indian full-service airline, a joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA).

Launched in January 2015, Vistara has rapidly established itself as a premium airline in India, known for its high-quality service, comfort, and customer experience. 

The name "Vistara" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Vistaar," which means "limitless expanse," reflecting the airline's vision of infinite possibilities and growth.