A Lufthansa flight headed from Frankfurt to Hyderabad was diverted mid-flight and forced to return to its origin airport following a bomb threat e-mail received by Hyderabad Airport authorities. The incident led to massive delays for hundreds of passengers, many of whom were on international journeys with onward connections to cities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Flight Details and Timeline

The affected flight — Lufthansa LH752, a non-stop international service operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — was originally scheduled to depart Frankfurt at 1:05 p.m. CET on Sunday, June 15, 2025, and land at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad at 6:00 a.m. IST on Monday, June 16.

However, the flight eventually took off at 2:29 p.m., already delayed by over an hour. After three to four hours of journey time, passengers were informed by the crew that the aircraft would be returning to Frankfurt due to a security-related issue.

Bomb Threat Triggers Emergency Response

According to airport authorities at Hyderabad, the bomb threat e-mail targeting Lufthansa LH752 was received at 18:01 IST on June 15. The airport’s Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) was immediately activated and conducted a detailed risk analysis as per standard protocol.

Based on the evaluation, the BTAC recommended that the flight not be allowed to land in Hyderabad, and advised the airline to return to origin or divert to a safer location.

“All procedures were followed strictly in accordance with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines. Safety of passengers and crew was the highest priority,” said a senior official from the airport.

Passenger Accounts of Mid-Air Confusion

Several passengers onboard LH752 recounted the confusion and concern that followed the mid-air decision to turn back.

Madhvi Latha, a passenger on the flight who was headed to Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh to meet her elderly parents, said:

“We were told mid-air that the flight couldn’t land in Hyderabad. It was very upsetting. After flying for three hours, they turned the plane back. My entire travel plan has gone haywire.”

Venu, another passenger originally travelling from San Francisco, echoed her sentiment. He said the sudden turnaround was shocking and unclear at first.

“They didn’t explain much initially. It was only later we found out about the threat. I had to wait until 10 a.m. the next day to resume my journey. Thankfully, everyone is safe.”

Layovers and Disruptions at Frankfurt

The diversion meant that passengers had to return to Frankfurt Airport, where they experienced long and unexpected layovers. For some, the delay lasted over 20 hours, while others, like Arogyam Chowdhury, a passenger from Canada, faced delays extending to 72 hours.

Children, elderly travellers, and those on tight schedules were among the most impacted.

Anay, a school student, described the moment the crew made the announcement:

“I was watching TV on the flight when they said we’re returning to Frankfurt. I got scared and called my parents after we landed.”

Airline and Airport Response

While no explosive was found on the aircraft, Lufthansa and Indian authorities maintained a cautious approach to ensure public safety.

The airline provided accommodation, meals, and alternative flight options for the stranded passengers. A Lufthansa spokesperson confirmed:

“Flight LH752 was returned to Frankfurt following a security alert. Safety is our top priority. All passengers were rebooked or accommodated accordingly.”

At Frankfurt Airport, special arrangements were made to manage the crowd of distressed and confused passengers. Local German authorities also coordinated with Lufthansa for a secondary security check on the aircraft before it was cleared for future flights.

Hyderabad Airport’s Security Protocols

In Hyderabad, the bomb threat initiated a heightened security alert at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Surveillance was increased, and all scheduled international arrivals and departures were subjected to additional screening.

As per standard operating procedure:

• A threat assessment committee was convened.

• Flight operations were temporarily held for risk management.

• Intelligence agencies were alerted for a background trace of the e-mail origin.

Airport sources said the source of the threat e-mail is under investigation, and cyber forensic teams are working to identify whether it was a credible terror alert or a hoax intended to disrupt operations.

Impact on Travel and Broader Concerns

The bomb scare and subsequent flight diversion caused ripple effects across India-bound Lufthansa services, as the airline worked overtime to restore schedule integrity. Travellers from San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, London, and Dubai connecting through Frankfurt were among those impacted.

This is the second major bomb threat involving a flight to India in recent days, following the Indigo Kochi–Delhi flight diversion to Nagpur earlier on June 17, also triggered by an e-mailed threat. The incidents have led to increased security protocols across all major Indian airports and enhanced cyber surveillance of threat communication channels.

Investigation and Legal Action

Indian security agencies and Lufthansa's own aviation security unit are closely coordinating with Interpol and Germany's Federal Police to investigate the e-mail threat’s source and motive.

Legal experts say the accused, once identified, may face:

• Criminal charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

• Prosecution under anti-terror laws such as the UAPA

• International extradition proceedings, if the sender is overseas

A senior Indian aviation official stated:

“We are treating this with the utmost seriousness. The person responsible for this bomb threat will face the strongest legal consequences.”

Conclusion: Safety Prevails Amidst Disruption

The incident underscores the fragility of modern aviation systems in the face of emerging cyber threats, especially those targeting large international carriers and high-traffic Indian airports.

Despite the frustrations and long delays, passengers have expressed gratitude that safety was prioritised, and no harm came to anyone onboard.

With investigations under way and authorities on high alert, travellers can expect stricter screening and vigilance in the days ahead. Lufthansa and Indian authorities continue to monitor the situation, with efforts being made to ensure uninterrupted, secure international travel.

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