Bomb Threat Forces Emergency Diversion of IndiGo Flight

A security scare mid-air forced an IndiGo flight traveling from Delhi to Siliguri to make an emergency landing at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on Sunday morning. The diversion was triggered after a handwritten bomb threat was discovered in one of the aircraft's lavatories.

Incident Overview

IndiGo flight 6E6650, an Airbus A321neo, departed from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at approximately 7:46 AM. While the aircraft was cruising toward Bagdogra Airport, a crew member discovered a message scrawled on a piece of tissue paper in a rear toilet claiming there was an explosive device on board.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) was alerted to the threat at 8:46 AM. Following standard emergency protocols, the pilots were directed to Lucknow, where the plane touched down safely at 9:17 AM.

Security Response and Evacuation

Upon landing, the aircraft, which was carrying over 230 passengers and seven crew members, was immediately taxiied to a remote isolation bay. Security forces, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and a specialized bomb disposal squad, cordoned off the area.

A Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) was convened to manage the crisis. All passengers, including eight infants, were evacuated from the plane and moved to the terminal for additional screening and refreshments.

Investigation Details

Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Verma confirmed the nature of the threat, noting that the handwritten note specifically stated, "Bomb on the plane."

During the security sweep, officials also identified a package of radioactive medical supplies in the cargo hold. Authorities clarified that this was an authorized shipment of cancer medication being transported with a valid no-objection certificate and posed no additional risk to the aircraft.

Current Status

As of Sunday afternoon, no explosive devices have been located, though the aircraft remains under high security for a comprehensive search.

In an official statement, IndiGo emphasized that the safety of its passengers and crew is its primary concern. "We are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities to conduct all necessary security checks," the airline spokesperson said, adding that efforts are being made to minimize the delay for the stranded travelers.

The aircraft involved, registered as VT-ICG, is a relatively new addition to the IndiGo fleet, having been in service for just over a year.