In a shocking incident that sent shockwaves through the aviation sector, a Delhi-bound flight en route to Bagdogra received a chilling bomb threat, prompting an immediate emergency landing at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport. The development unfolded late evening, turning a routine journey into a high-stakes security operation.
The aircraft, operated by IndiGo flight 6E-2123, was cruising at 35,000 feet when the pilot received a menacing message via radio: ‘Bomb on board, plane will explode.’ Without hesitation, the captain declared a full emergency, diverting the Boeing 737 to the nearest secure facility—Lucknow Airport, just 500 kilometers from the capital.
Upon touchdown at 8:45 PM, the runway was cleared, and a massive security apparatus swung into action. Over 150 passengers and six crew members were swiftly evacuated. Bomb disposal squads, canine units, and National Security Guard (NSG) commandos combed every inch of the aircraft with advanced detection gear. After three grueling hours of intensive checks, authorities confirmed the plane was hoax-free—no explosives detected.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed the nation via X, stating, ‘Passenger safety remains paramount. Full investigation underway to trace the perpetrator.’ Lucknow Police filed an FIR under anti-terror laws, launching a manhunt for the anonymous caller whose number was traced to a disposable SIM from Uttar Pradesh.
This marks the third such threat against Indian carriers this month, raising alarms over rising hoax calls disrupting flight schedules and costing airlines millions. Last week, a Mumbai-Delhi flight faced similar panic. Experts point to copycat threats amplified by social media, urging stricter cyber monitoring.
Passengers, shaken but safe, were provided refreshments and rebooked on alternate flights. IndiGo issued a statement: ‘We regret the inconvenience and thank our crew for their professionalism.’ As normalcy returns at Lucknow Airport, the incident underscores the aviation industry’s vulnerability to anonymous digital threats in an era of instant communication.
Investigators suspect a disgruntled individual or terror sympathizer, with CCTV footage from airport lounges under scrutiny. The caller used voice modulation software, complicating voice profiling. Meanwhile, Bagdogra Airport heightened alerts, canceling incoming flights briefly.
This episode serves as a stark reminder for bolstering real-time threat intelligence sharing between airlines, airports, and intelligence agencies. With India’s aviation boom expecting 300 million passengers annually by 2030, such vulnerabilities demand ironclad countermeasures.