IndiGo aircraft operating the Delhi–Bagdogra service was diverted to Lucknow Airport after a handwritten bomb note was found in a lavatory. All 237 passengers were safely evacuated and no explosive was found on board.
A passenger aircraft belonging to IndiGo, one of India’s leading airlines, made an emergency landing at Lucknow Airport on Sunday morning following a bomb threat. The Airbus A320 operating flight 6E-6650 diverted after a suspicious note was discovered on board shortly after departing Delhi for Bagdogra in the state of West Bengal.
According to information provided by the authorities, Air Traffic Control was alerted at 08:46, and the aircraft landed safely in Lucknow at 09:17. The 237 passengers and crew on board were safely evacuated immediately after landing.
Threat Emerged from a Handwritten Note on a Tissue
In a statement, the Lucknow Police Commissionerate said the aircraft was moved to an isolated bay after landing. Lucknow Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rajneesh Verma stated that the threat stemmed from a handwritten bomb note found on a tissue in the aircraft’s lavatory.
“A handwritten note containing a message claiming there was a bomb on board was found in the aircraft’s lavatory. Following this, the aircraft made an emergency landing in Lucknow,” he said.
Extensive Security Measures Implemented
Following the incident, bomb disposal squads, CISF personnel, police, fire brigade and medical teams were swiftly deployed. In line with standard procedures, the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee convened to assess the situation.
The cabin, cargo hold and all other areas were searched in detail. No explosive material was found during the checks. Authorities stated that, at this stage, the incident is being treated as a hoax threat.
Flight Operated Again the Same Day
After the aircraft was declared safe and disinfected, flight 6E-6650 departed again from Lucknow to Bagdogra at around 16:40. Airport operations throughout the day continued under heightened security measures.
Statement from IndiGo
An IndiGo spokesperson made the following statement:
“Following the detection of a security threat on IndiGo flight 6E-6650 operating the Delhi–Bagdogra route, the aircraft was diverted to Lucknow in accordance with established protocols. The relevant authorities were immediately informed and full cooperation was provided throughout the process.”
Authorities also confirmed that the aircraft was carrying radioactive medical material (cancer medication) in approved packaging, and that this posed no additional risk.
Security camera footage, passenger manifests and on-board activities are being examined in detail as part of the ongoing investigation to determine the source of the note.
