Bengaluru: Security was heightened at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after a handwritten bomb threat note was found inside an IndiGo aircraft scheduled to fly from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad.

The incident occurred on July 16 when the crew of IndiGo flight 6E-6423 discovered the suspicious note in the aircraft’s lavatory before departure. The flight was scheduled to leave at around 7.35 pm.

Bomb threat note prompts immediate action

According to airport authorities, the handwritten message read, “Don’t go. Bomb Hai! Please.”

Following the discovery, a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) was immediately constituted at Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport. Standard security procedures were activated, and passengers’ safety was prioritised as officials carried out a detailed inspection of the aircraft.

After an extensive search, security personnel confirmed that no bomb, explosive device or other suspicious object was found on board. The threat was subsequently treated as a hoax.

FIR sought to identify the culprit

Following the incident, Kempegowda International Airport authorities lodged a complaint with the Airport Police, requesting the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a thorough investigation to identify the person responsible for the false threat.

In its complaint, IndiGo stated that the incident caused significant operational disruption and raised serious concerns over the safety and security of passengers, crew members and airline operations.

The airline urged police to conduct a comprehensive investigation and take appropriate legal action against those responsible for creating panic.

Hoax threats continue to disrupt aviation

False bomb threats continue to pose serious challenges for airports and airlines across India. Even when found to be baseless, such threats require immediate security checks, delay flight operations and involve multiple security agencies, resulting in inconvenience for passengers and increased operational costs.

Authorities have reiterated that individuals found responsible for issuing hoax threats can face strict legal action under applicable laws.