Bomb Threat Forces IndiGo Jet to Divert, Lands Safely in Lucknow
Key Points
- 1IndiGo flight 6E 6650 was diverted to Lucknow on January 18, 2026, after a handwritten bomb threat note was found.
- 2The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and seven crew, landed safely, and all people were evacuated following standard security protocol.
- 3A comprehensive search by CISF and bomb disposal squads found no suspicious material, and the flight resumed its journey to Bagdogra at 4:40 PM.
An IndiGo flight traveling from Delhi to Bagdogra was diverted to Lucknow on Sunday following a security scare mid-flight. The aircraft, operating as flight 6E 6650, made a safe emergency landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow.
Emergency Diversion and Security Response
The incident began after a handwritten note was discovered on a tissue paper inside the aircraft's lavatory. The message explicitly stated there was a bomb on board the plane. Air Traffic Control (ATC) was alerted to the threat around 8:46 AM, and the flight landed safely in Lucknow at 9:17 AM.
Following established aviation security protocol in India, the aircraft was immediately directed to an isolation bay. Security teams quickly surrounded the plane. The response involved the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), police units, and bomb disposal squads. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the aircraft and underwent thorough screening.
IndiGo confirmed the security threat in a statement. The airline noted it followed all established protocols and cooperated fully with relevant authorities. The safety and security of customers, crew, and aircraft remain the airline’s top priority.
Key Operational Details
The Delhi to Bagdogra flight was carrying a total of 237 people. This number included 222 adult passengers, eight infants, two pilots, and five cabin crew members. The swift action by the crew and airport authorities ensured a safe outcome for all on board.
Investigation and Flight Resumption
Security agencies launched a comprehensive search of the aircraft and all baggage. This detailed inspection was carried out by the bomb disposal squad and other security agencies. Officials later confirmed that no suspicious material was found during the extensive security sweep. The threat was ultimately deemed a hoax.
After the mandatory security checks were completed, the IndiGo flight emergency landing incident concluded with the aircraft being cleared for departure. All passengers were able to re-board flight 6E 6650. The flight subsequently departed for its scheduled destination, Bagdogra, at 4:40 PM.
This incident highlights the strict adherence to security procedures by Indian aviation stakeholders. The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) at the airport plays a crucial role in evaluating such threats. Even when a threat is ultimately a hoax, the full protocol is activated as a precaution. The investigation into the origin of the handwritten note is ongoing. Legal action will be pursued against the person responsible for the aircraft bomb threat. Such threats cause significant operational disruption and financial impact to airlines like IndiGo and airports. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) oversees these national guidelines.
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Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
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