Bomb hoaxes relating to three flights and a Howrah-bound train, one of them arriving while the plane was mid-air, disrupted travel in the country on Monday, triggering chaos and passenger panic.

Air India’s Flight AI-119 from Mumbai to New York, carrying 239 passengers and a 19-member crew, was diverted midair to Delhi in the early hours because of a bomb alert, which an inspection revealed to be a hoax.

The false bomb alerts to IndiGo’s Flight 6E-56 (Mumbai to Jeddah) and Flight 6E-1275 (Mumbai to Muscat) arrived before take-off. The planes were moved to an isolated bay at Mumbai airport and thoroughly checked.

The Mumbai-Howrah Mail (12809) too was the subject of a hoax message early on Monday morning that said there was a time bomb on the train.

The bomb alert to the Air India flight was tweeted immediately after the plane had taken off from Mumbai around 2am.

“The passengers were made to deplane (at Delhi airport) around 4.10am but were asked to leave their bags on board. In such instances, the aircraft is subject to a thorough security inspection before being allowed to take off again,” a Delhi police officer said.

The flight is now expected to leave for New York from Delhi on Tuesday morning, the airline said.

“Flight AI119 operating Mumbai to JFK on October 14 received a specific security alert and on instructions of the government’s security regulatory committee was diverted to Delhi,” an Air India spokesperson said.

“We confirm that all 239 passengers and 19 crew have disembarked and are currently undergoing security procedures. Refreshments have been provided to the passengers. Guests will be moved to hotels once security protocols are completed.”

IndiGo said: “IndiGo flight 6E 56 operating from Mumbai to Jeddah and IndiGo flight 6E 1275 operating from Mumbai to Muscat had received a bomb threat. As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolated bay, and following the standard operating procedures, mandatory security checks were promptly initiated. Customers were provided with assistance and refreshments, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience caused.”

The Mumbai-Howrah Mail was halted at Jalgaon station around 4am and given a thorough security inspection. No suspicious object was found, and the train resumed its journey.

Central Railway’s chief public relations officerconfirmed the incident.