IndiGo Flight Diverted to Lucknow After Mid-Air Bomb Note Scare

ByUjjwal Sukhwani•January 19, 2026 at 06:32 PM•2 min read

SAFETY

IndiGo Flight Diverted to Lucknow After Mid-Air Bomb Note Scare

IndiGo flight 6E-6650 from Delhi to Bagdogra was safely diverted to Lucknow after a handwritten bomb threat note was found, triggering a full security...

Key Points

1IndiGo flight 6E-6650 from Delhi to Bagdogra was diverted to Lucknow on January 18, 2026, after a bomb threat note was found.
2The Airbus A321neo, carrying 230 people, landed safely at 9:17 am, and all passengers were evacuated without injury.
3Security agencies, including a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC), confirmed the threat was a hoax after an extensive seven-hour search.
4The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and local police have launched a full investigation to trace the origin of the handwritten note.

An IndiGo flight emergency diversion occurred on January 18, 2026. IndiGo flight 6E-6650 was traveling from Delhi to Bagdogra. The flight was forced to land at Lucknow following a security alert. The incident involved a reported bomb threat hoax investigation.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) received the threat alert at 8:46 am. The crew immediately followed aviation security protocols India. The Delhi to Bagdogra flight landed safely in Lucknow at 9:17 am. The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo, was moved to an isolation bay.

Emergency Response and Security Sweep

The IndiGo 6E-6650 security threat triggered a full emergency response. The flight carried 230 people, including 222 passengers and seven crew. All passengers and crew were evacuated safely and without injury. Security agencies, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), quickly cordoned off the plane.

During the cabin sweep, a handwritten bomb threat note was discovered. The note, found on tissue paper in a lavatory, read “Plane mein bomb.” A Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) was convened. Authorities later confirmed the threat was a hoax. The extensive search operation lasted over seven hours.

Airline and Regulatory Action

IndiGo confirmed the incident in a public statement. The airline stated that it followed all established safety protocols. Safety and security of customers remain the airline’s utmost priority. The airline worked to minimize inconvenience for the stranded travelers.

The Lucknow airport emergency landing prompted regulatory oversight. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is involved in the review. Local police have initiated legal proceedings and a formal probe. Investigators are working to trace the threat's origin. They aim to identify the individual responsible for the note.

Industry Impact and Security Focus

Hoax threats pose a significant challenge to global aviation. They force airlines and airports to expend vast resources. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stresses the need for robust security. Such incidents highlight the critical importance of security protocols. They also test the readiness of flight crews and ground staff. Passengers on the Airbus A321neo diversion faced long delays. The aircraft was cleared and departed for Bagdogra later that afternoon. The incident prompts renewed discussions on passenger screening measures. Strict legal action is typically taken against perpetrators of hoaxes. This serves as a strong deterrent against future false alarms. The DGCA continues to monitor all domestic route security.

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