Police and ATS staff while on guard at Dabolim Airport on Monday.
VASCO
There was some panic at the Dabolim airport on Saturday morning, after authorities received a bomb threat via email.
Despite the hoax, operations at the airport remained largely unaffected, with no flights being delayed or diverted.
Teams from anti-terrorist squads, bomb detection and disposal squad, fire brigade, police, and CISF security personnel rushed to the site conducting thorough checks of passengers and airport facilities.
Speaking to reporters, Airport Director Dhanamjaya Rao said the threat was marked to several airports, including the Manohar International Airport at Mopa in North Goa.
“The email was received around 9.30 am which prompted swift action from airport authorities. We wasted no time in alerting the state administration and we are verifying details of the email,” said Rao.
“We alerted all security agencies and airlines immediately. As of now, there is no delay or diversion of flights due to this email. We are doing our general routine of additional security checks," said Rao.
Following the security sweep and the confirmation that the threat was a hoax, a security drill was conducted to ensure preparedness for any emergencies and restore confidence in the safety protocols at the airport.
Dabolim Airport, being one of the busiest airports in India, serves as a gateway to Goa, a popular tourist destination and any disruption to its operations not only inconveniences passengers but also has significant economic implications for the region.
While an investigation into the source of the hoax threat was being carried out in the incident , sources said authorities urged staff and airport workers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to ensure the safety and security of all airport facilities.
While the hoax bomb threat at Goa International Airport caused momentary panic in the early mornings, the swift response of authorities ensured the quick resumption of normal operations of flights to and from from the Dabolim Airport
