IndiGo Flight Faces Hours-Long Delay in Kolkata Due to Bomb Hoax Scare
A Shillong-bound IndiGo aircraft was forced to remain grounded at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for an extended period on Friday, following the discovery of a handwritten note that claimed a bomb had been placed on the plane. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours, triggered a significant security alert and led to the flight being moved to an isolation bay for thorough inspection.
Security Protocols Activated After Threat Discovery
According to an official statement released by airport authorities, the alarming note was found onboard IndiGo flight 6E 7304, which was scheduled to depart for Shillong. The handwritten message explicitly stated that an explosive device had been planted on the aircraft, immediately prompting security personnel to implement standard emergency protocols. The plane was swiftly relocated to a designated isolation area away from the main terminal to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and airport operations.
Passengers and crew members were evacuated from the aircraft as a precautionary measure, while specialized bomb detection and disposal teams were summoned to conduct a comprehensive sweep of the plane. The meticulous search involved scanning the entire aircraft, including the cargo hold, passenger cabins, and all accessible compartments, to rule out any potential threat.
Investigation Underway to Identify Hoax Perpetrator
Initial investigations have confirmed that the threat was a hoax, with no explosive materials or suspicious items discovered during the security checks. However, the false alarm resulted in the flight being delayed for several hours, causing inconvenience to travelers and disrupting the airline's schedule. Authorities have launched a full-scale probe to trace the origin of the handwritten note and identify the individual responsible for the security breach.
"Such incidents are taken very seriously, as they not only create panic but also waste valuable resources and time," a senior airport official remarked. "We are working closely with airline staff and law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and ensure that those behind this act are held accountable."
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by aviation security in dealing with hoax threats, which have become increasingly common in recent years. Airlines and airports across India have been advised to remain vigilant and reinforce their security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Flight Resumes After All-Clear Given
After hours of rigorous checks and verification, security officials finally gave the all-clear, allowing the IndiGo flight to resume its journey to Shillong. Passengers were reboarded, and the aircraft took off later in the day, albeit with a significant delay. The airline has apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that their safety remains the top priority.
This bomb hoax incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security protocols in the aviation sector and the need for public awareness regarding the severe consequences of making false threats. Authorities continue to urge passengers and the general public to report any suspicious activities immediately, while emphasizing that prank calls or notes can lead to serious legal repercussions.
