China-bound Iranian passenger jet Mahan Air left the Indian airspace after hovering for around 40 minutes on Monday after receiving clearance from Iranian authorities, reported news agency ANI. Earlier the news agency had reported that the Delhi Police had received inputs at around 9:20 am about a “bomb threat” on board the Airbus A340 aircraft following which Indian Air Force jets were scrambled to intercept the aircraft.
Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter jets from Halwara (Punjab) and Jodhpur air bases were scrambled to intercept the flight which was moving towards the New Delhi airspace.
As per the officials from Indian Air Force, the plane was allowed to continue its flight towards China after Iranian agencies asked the force to “disregard the threat”.
“The Indian Air Force jets were scrambled after the information was received and we were following it, maintaining a safe distance as per the standard operating procedures. However, the aircraft was allowed to continue on its flight towards China after Iranian agencies asked us to disregard the threat,” reported the news agency quoting its sources.