Ahmedabad: The first officer of an Air India Express flight from Dammam (Saudi Arabia) to New Delhi has emerged as a suspect in the bomb hoax that forced the aircraft’s emergency landing in Ahmedabad on Aug 31.Sources in city police said they examined handwriting samples from passengers and crew members, including the first officer. The handwriting on the threat note — bearing the words “RED: BOMB” — was a 65% match with hers.Investigators noted that she was a crew member of another flight that was subjected to a bomb hoax. “Handwriting samples from both cases match,” a senior police officer said.As for Air India Express flight IX170, the pilot alerted air traffic control after the note was found in a lavatory of the plane. The flight landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 4.27pm on Aug 31. The flight had 32 passengers, four cockpit crew and four cabin crew.“There were variations in her statements when we questioned her,” a source in the city police said of the recent case. “Moreover, the ink used in the chit belonged to her.”Sources said that the first officer was also subjected to a lie detector test wherein she was posed six questions. “She failed the test,” the source said.The investigation, initially conducted by city police, has now been handed over to National Investigation Agency (NIA).“What’s missing is the intention behind the act, including the possibility of some mischief,” said a home department official.Sources told TOI that law enforcement authorities have not shared any conclusive information with the airline so far.“We are aware that law enforcement agencies are investigating a security-related incident involving our flight operating from Dammam to Delhi on 31 Aug 2026, pursuant to a complaint filed by us,” said an Air India Express spokesperson. “The airline is fully cooperating with the relevant agencies in the investigation.”The spokesperson added, “We unequivocally condemn any conduct that compromises…the safety and security of our guests, crew, and operations. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.”
