An IndiGo aircraft flying from Madinah to Hyderabad was forced to make an urgent emergency landing at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport on Thursday afternoon. The diversion was prompted by a mid-air bomb threat received by the flight crew, leading to a major security alert.
Mid-Air Alert and Swift Diversion
According to initial reports, the crew of the IndiGo flight received a message while in the air, claiming that an explosive device was on board the aircraft. Following established safety protocols, the pilot immediately alerted air traffic control about the situation. Security agencies were promptly put on high alert, and a decision was made to divert the aircraft to the nearest major airport, which was Ahmedabad. The flight was carrying over 180 passengers and six crew members at the time.
Security Scramble and Passenger Safety
Upon touchdown at SVPI Airport around noon, all passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft. A multi-agency security response was swiftly activated. Teams from the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), city police, and airport security immediately cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure. The aircraft was then towed to an isolation bay for a thorough and detailed inspection by experts.
Threat Declared a Hoax
After a comprehensive sweep of the aircraft, security officials confirmed that no suspicious items were found. V N Yadav, ACP Zone-G, addressed the media, stating, "The aircraft was thoroughly inspected and nothing suspicious was found. We realised the threat was a hoax call." He added that an official complaint regarding the incident would be filed in Hyderabad.
The incident caused significant disruption to the flight schedule. As of 7 PM on Thursday, the aircraft had not yet departed for its original destination, Hyderabad. An airline source confirmed that necessary arrangements were made for the affected passengers and all required protocols were diligently followed throughout the ordeal.
