Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, a bomb threat was reported on Tuesday afternoon involving an IndiGo flight at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Just before the Mumbai-bound flight was scheduled to depart, an anonymous caller informed airport authorities of an alleged bomb onboard. The flight in question, IndiGo number 6E 5227, was immediately grounded. Following standard aviation safety protocols, airport officials sprang into action. The airline promptly issued a high alert, and necessary emergency procedures were activated to ensure the safety of all onboard passengers and airport personnel.
The aircraft, which was preparing for a scheduled departure at 1:30 PM and expected to land in Mumbai at 4:20 PM, was halted just in time. All 195 passengers were safely evacuated and escorted to a secure holding area inside the airport. The airport’s security team, in coordination with the airline's ground staff, ensured that the evacuation was conducted swiftly and calmly. There were no reports of injuries or panic during the evacuation. Authorities acted decisively, emphasizing that passenger safety is of the utmost priority in situations involving potential threats.
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Following the evacuation, the aircraft was towed to an isolated bay designated for emergencies. A specialized bomb disposal squad was deployed to inspect the aircraft thoroughly. Alongside the inspection, all passenger luggage was carefully removed and examined. After a detailed search operation lasting several hours, the bomb disposal team confirmed that there was no explosive device onboard. An airport official later stated that while the threat turned out to be a hoax, full safety procedures were followed as a precautionary measure. The incident highlighted the readiness of airport staff in handling such emergencies.
Security across the airport was significantly tightened following the scare. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which handles airport security, increased its personnel deployment throughout the terminal and perimeter areas. Sniffer dogs and explosive detection units were seen patrolling the premises. Police have launched a formal investigation to trace the origin of the phone call. As of now, efforts are underway to identify the caller responsible for the disruption. Authorities have assured the public that all systems are in place to prevent any real threat and have urged passengers to remain calm but vigilant.