Threat Discovered Onboard
According to airport officials, a suspicious message was found written with lipstick inside the aircraft’s toilet compartment. The flight, identified as 6E6894 and operated using an Airbus A-320 aircraft, was en route to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
The aircraft landed safely at 7:37 pm. As per established aviation security protocols, it was immediately moved to an isolation bay for thorough inspection. All passengers were deboarded without injury, and security teams began a detailed examination of the aircraft.
Earlier Scare on Kolkata–Shillong Flight
The latest incident occurred just hours after another bomb threat was reported on an IndiGo flight scheduled to operate from Kolkata to Shillong earlier the same day. In that case, a piece of paper claiming the presence of a bomb was found during boarding procedures.
Passengers on flight 6E 7304 were promptly evacuated, and the aircraft was shifted to a designated isolation area for comprehensive checks. Officials confirmed that standard security procedures were followed in both instances.
India’s civil aviation security framework is governed by strict guidelines laid down by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
Airline Responds, Assures Safety
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed that the airline acted swiftly upon detecting the threat. “Following the Standard Operating Procedure, we informed the relevant authorities immediately and are fully cooperating in carrying out necessary security checks,” the statement said.
The airline also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers, reiterating that safety and security remain its top priority. No explosive materials were immediately reported, though authorities continued to conduct detailed investigations as a precautionary measure.
Security Protocols Activated
In such cases, aircraft are isolated from the main terminal area to minimise risk and ensure safe evacuation of passengers and crew. Bomb detection squads, sniffer dogs, and aviation security personnel typically conduct layered checks before declaring the aircraft safe.
Officials at Kolkata airport confirmed that both flights were handled strictly according to established protocols. The quick response ensured there was no panic escalation or disruption beyond necessary safety measures.
Rising Threats Raise Concerns
Repeated bomb threats targeting flights have raised concerns among aviation authorities about passenger safety and potential misuse of security systems. Even hoax threats demand full-scale responses, resulting in operational disruptions and heightened security costs.
Experts note that such incidents, whether genuine or false, are treated with utmost seriousness. Aviation security laws in India impose strict penalties for hoax bomb threats, including imprisonment and heavy fines.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the two incidents are linked. Investigations are underway to trace the source of the threats and identify those responsible.
For passengers, the back-to-back scares served as a reminder of the critical role of vigilance in aviation safety. While both flights landed safely and no harm was reported, the incidents underscore the need for strict enforcement against those attempting to disrupt civil aviation operations.
As investigations continue, airline and airport officials have assured travelers that all safety checks were completed thoroughly and operations have resumed as per schedule.
