An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Bagdogra made an emergency landing in Lucknow after a bomb threat note was discovered onboard, prompting extensive security measures.
An IndiGo flight traveling from Delhi to Bagdogra was forced to make an emergency landing in Lucknow on Sunday morning due to a bomb threat that caused concern among passengers and crew members. Flight 6E-6650 landed safely at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, where security teams conducted thorough safety checks before allowing passengers to disembark.
The aircraft departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi with 238 individuals onboard, including passengers, pilots, and cabin crew. While in mid-air, the pilots received a notification from air traffic control regarding a potential security threat. Following airline protocol, the crew requested an immediate diversion to Lucknow.
Upon landing, security officials confirmed that a handwritten note claiming the presence of a bomb onboard was found on a piece of tissue paper inside one of the aircraft’s toilets. Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Verma stated that the alarming message prompted precautionary measures and the activation of safety procedures.
As of now, there is no information regarding the individual responsible for writing the note, and investigators are actively working to trace its origin and verify its authenticity.
The flight landed safely in Lucknow at approximately 9:17 a.m. Following the landing, the aircraft was taken to an isolation bay, where bomb disposal teams, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, and police units surrounded it. Passengers and crew members were evacuated and screened, while all luggage underwent inspection. Authorities conducted a comprehensive security sweep of the aircraft to ensure no threats remained. So far, officials have reported that no explosives have been found, and the search is ongoing.
In response to the incident, IndiGo released a statement indicating that the airline adhered to established safety protocols and promptly informed the relevant authorities upon detecting the threat. “We are making all efforts to minimize inconvenience to our customers, including offering them refreshments and sharing regular updates,” the airline stated. “As always, the safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft are our topmost priorities.”
Despite the swift handling of the situation, many passengers expressed feelings of anxiety and confusion as the aircraft unexpectedly descended. Several travelers commended the flight crew’s calm response, which helped maintain order during the incident.
Security agencies are continuing to interview passengers who were onboard to determine if anyone observed suspicious behavior prior to the discovery of the threat.
Authorities, including police and airport officials, have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the origin of the threat. This includes reviewing CCTV footage, questioning passengers, and analyzing handwriting samples. Officials emphasized that it is too early to determine whether the threat was genuine or a hoax, urging the public to refrain from speculation until all facts are verified.
Throughout the morning, Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport experienced a heightened security presence. Bomb disposal squads, sniffer dog units, and CISF teams collaborated to clear the aircraft and surrounding runway areas. Although the airport remained operational during the incident, passengers on other flights were advised to arrive early due to increased security checks triggered by the situation.
Authorities plan to release additional information once the investigation is concluded. Meanwhile, flights in and out of Lucknow continue to operate normally, with no further threats reported since the search began. As officials investigate the motive behind the handwritten note and work to ensure aviation safety, both passengers and airlines are reminded of the critical importance of strict security protocols in managing mid-air emergencies.
According to The Sunday Guardian, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by aviation authorities in maintaining safety and security in air travel.