IndiGo flight returns after hijack threat note found in toilet
What's the story
An IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Lucknow was forced to return mid-air after a passenger found a hijack threat note in the aircraft's toilet. The incident took place on flight 6E451, which had taken off at 5:50pm with 178 passengers on board. The handwritten note read, "This plane is going to get hijacked exactly at 06:30. Ignore and see the consequences."
Precautionary measures
Pilot notified ATC, full emergency declared
Upon discovering the note, the passenger immediately informed the crew members.
The pilot then notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) and decided to return to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru as a precautionary measure.
A full emergency was declared at Terminal 1 of KIA due to this hijack scare.
Post-landing procedures
Aircraft thoroughly checked by security personnel
After landing safely at KIA, all passengers were deboarded from the aircraft. Security personnel then carried out thorough checks of the plane and passenger baggage.
Bomb disposal personnel and dog squads were also deployed to inspect the aircraft as part of these security measures.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Bengaluru police cordoned off the area where the aircraft was moved to an isolated bay for inspection.
Airline statement
IndiGo Airlines issues statement regarding incident
IndiGo Airlines issued a press statement addressing the incident.
The airline said, "In line with Standard Operating Procedure, the relevant authorities were informed immediately and the pilots decided to return to origin to carry out the necessary security checks, as per protocol."
They also regretted any inconvenience caused and assured passengers that they would be provided refreshments and regular updates during this time.
Ongoing investigation
Threat found to be hoax, investigation underway
Sources at Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL) confirmed to NDTV that the threat was found to be a hoax after thorough inspections of the aircraft.
Police also questioned passengers as investigators suspected that the note may have been planted by someone onboard.
An investigation is currently underway to determine who left this handwritten note inside the aircraft.