A handwritten bomb threat note found inside an IndiGo flight triggered a major security operation at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru on Thursday evening. The incident delayed the departure of the Bengaluru-Ahmedabad flight, and security personnel thoroughly examined the aircraft as well as clearance for take-off.
Fortunately, it was found that no explosive or suspicious object was found during the extensive search, and police are now investigating who is to be identified in the hoax.
Bomb Threat Note Found Before Take-Off
According to police, IndiGo flight 6E-6423 was scheduled to leave Bengaluru for Ahmedabad from around 8:00 PM on July 16.
After doing pre-flight checks at the time, a cabin crew member discovered a handwritten note inside the aircraft's forward lavatory at about 7:35 PM, he said.
The note reportedly read:
Don’t go. Bomb Hai! Please.
The alarming message immediately prompted the crew to inform airport authorities, and standard emergency security procedures were immediately activated.
Aircraft Thoroughly Searched
Soon after receiving the alert, airport security agencies, bomb detection units, and other emergency response teams rushed to the aircraft.
The passengers were asked to wait for a time as officials inspected the aircraft, including baggage compartments, passenger cabins, lavatories, and cargo areas.
It is also stated that every part of the plane was thoroughly examined in accordance with aviation safety protocols.
After searching for several hours, officials found no bomb, explosive device, or suspicious material on board.
The aircraft was subsequently declared safe.
Passengers Face Delay
The threat was eventually a hoax, but it was quite embarrassing to the passengers waiting at the gate to board the plane.
Airport officials explained that any bomb-related warning— whether genuine or fake— is treated with the highest level of seriousness under international aviation safety regulations.
It’s even anonymous handwritten notes that must be treated with a complete security response to eliminate the risk to passengers and crew.
IndiGo Lodges Police Complaint
After the incident, IndiGo filed an official complaint with the KIAL Airport Police Station.
The handwritten message caused a huge disruption to flight operations and was of great concern to passengers, the airline reported in its complaint.
The airline asked police to conduct a detailed investigation to identify the individual responsible and initiate appropriate legal action.
Based on the complaint, police filed a First Information Report (FIR) and began an investigation.
Police Begin Investigation
The senior police official told the Register that several leads were being considered for the identity of the individual responsible for the threatening message on the plane.
As part of the investigation, police are expected to:
- Review CCTV footage from the airport and boarding areas.
- Verify passenger and crew movement before departure.
- Record statements from airline staff and cabin crew.
- Examine passenger manifests and boarding records.
- Determine whether the act was intended as a prank or carried out with malicious intent.
In no case has anyone been identified or detained.
Bomb Hoaxes Taken Seriously
A genuine bomb threat, even fake bomb threats, can cause big disruption to operations, financial losses, and unnecessary panic, security experts say.
Indian aviation regulations require immediate inspection of any aircraft receiving a bomb threat, regardless of whether or not the threat is credible.
Making false bomb threats is a punishable offence under Indian law and can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Investigation Continues
The police have asked the public not to spread rumours about the incident while the investigation continues.
According to the authorities, passenger safety remains the top priority, they said, and travellers should be assured that every threat is handled according to established aviation security protocols.
Further details are likely to emerge through the examination of surveillance footage and additional evidence from airport and airline officials.
