An international IndiGo flight traveling from Saudi Arabia to India was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Ahmedabad's airport on Thursday afternoon after the airline received a bomb threat while the aircraft was in the air.
Flight Diverted Mid-Air Following Threat
IndiGo flight 6E 058 had departed early on Thursday from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Its intended destination was Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. However, the journey took a dramatic turn when the airline's security team received an email containing a bomb threat. Acting swiftly on standard security protocols, the pilots decided to divert the aircraft to the nearest major airport.
The plane was redirected to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, where it touched down safely around 12 pm. Authorities confirmed that all passengers were deboarded immediately upon landing as a precautionary measure.
Massive Security Operation Launched
A full-scale security sweep of the aircraft and the airport area was initiated without delay. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Atul Bansal provided details of the ongoing operation. He stated that multiple agencies were involved in the response to ensure thorough checks.
The security teams conducting the intensive checks include:
- The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Airport Police
- Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS)
- Dog Squad
DCP Bansal emphasized that the threat was taken with utmost seriousness and all necessary procedures were being followed. The spokesperson for Ahmedabad airport confirmed that aside from this unscheduled landing, overall airport operations continued normally and were largely unaffected.
Investigation Underway, Passengers Safe
While the exhaustive security checks are the immediate priority, authorities have also begun an investigation into the source of the threatening email. Such hoax threats are treated as serious offences under Indian law. The passengers from the flight are reported to be safe and are being assisted by the airline staff as the security drill continues.
This incident highlights the robust security protocols followed by Indian airlines and airport authorities to handle in-flight emergencies. The swift coordination between the flight crew, IndiGo's security team, and multiple ground agencies ensured a controlled and safe response to the potential threat.
