Bomb Threat Delays IndiGo Flight at Kolkata Airport; Passenger Detained
A Mumbai-bound IndiGo flight was delayed on Tuesday after a 26-year-old passenger claimed to be carrying a bomb, prompting immediate evacuation of the aircraft and heightened security measures at Kolkata airport. Officials confirmed that the suspect was detained and the aircraft moved to the isolation bay for thorough inspection.
The incident occurred during a routine step ladder point check, a secondary-level security frisk conducted just before boarding. The passenger, who had flown in from Imphal and was scheduled to travel to Mumbai via Kolkata on IndiGo, made the alarming statement to an airline security officer during the check.
“The passenger’s claim was considered specific and credible. As per standard operating procedures (SOP), security was beefed up, the aircraft was evacuated, and it was moved to the isolation bay,” an Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said.
At the time of the incident, 179 of the 186 passengers had already boarded IndiGo flight 6E 5227 bound for Mumbai. The flight, scheduled to depart at 1:30 PM, was subsequently delayed to allow for a comprehensive security sweep of the aircraft.
In a statement, IndiGo confirmed the bomb threat and its response measures: “IndiGo flight 6E 5227 operating from Kolkata to Mumbai received a bomb threat prior to departure. In accordance with security protocols, the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay at Kolkata airport. All necessary checks were conducted, and the standard operating procedures were followed.”
The passenger who made the threat was immediately detained by airport authorities and handed over for further questioning. Security personnel and bomb detection squads carried out a detailed inspection of the aircraft and luggage, but no explosives or suspicious items were found.
Following the incident, security has been tightened across major Indian airports. The heightened vigilance comes amid rising tensions in the region following a recent military conflict between India and Pakistan.
An airport official emphasized that authorities took the incident seriously to ensure passenger safety. “While the threat turned out to be a false alarm, the protocols worked as intended. Safety remains our top priority,” he said.
This is not the first time an Indian airport has seen disruption due to passenger misconduct related to bomb threats. Authorities have consistently warned that such claims, even if made in jest or frustration, are criminal offenses and lead to severe legal consequences.
The flight eventually resumed operations after clearance was given by security agencies. Passengers were reboarded following the all-clear, though many experienced delays and disruptions to their travel plans.
Investigations into the motives of the detained passenger are currently underway.
IT
