India's largest domestic carrier, IndiGo, found itself in the eye of a storm this week, battling both an internal operational crisis and a major security threat. The incident involved an international flight that was abruptly diverted, adding to the airline's troubles already marked by hundreds of domestic flight cancellations.
The Security Scare: Kuwait to Hyderabad
The security alert was triggered on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, when IndiGo flight 6E1234, originating from Kuwait and bound for Hyderabad, was mid-flight. Authorities at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) reportedly received a detailed email threat warning of an explosive device onboard the aircraft.
Following established security protocols, the flight crew was immediately notified, and the aircraft was safely diverted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai. The Airbus A321 aircraft, carrying 228 passengers and crew, made an emergency landing and was swiftly moved to an isolation bay.
Security personnel, including the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and CISF teams, conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft, passengers, and baggage. After hours of intensive search, officials confirmed that the threat was a hoax. Passengers were later safely accommodated on an alternative flight to reach their final destination in Hyderabad.
Also Read: IndiGo Crisis: Over 150 Flights Cancelled as New Pilot Rest Norms Cripple Operations
The Lingering Rostering Crisis
This security scare occurred even as IndiGo continues to grapple with an unprecedented wave of mass flight cancellations across its network. As reported earlier, the cancellations—estimated to be over 250 flights—are a direct result of the airline's inability to rapidly adjust its complex crew rostering to meet the revised, stricter Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms mandated by the DGCA.
The regulatory changes, intended to combat pilot and cabin crew fatigue, have left the airline facing a shortage of legally rested crew, forcing the groundings.
Airlines Under Pressure
The combination of the operational crisis due to FDTL norms and the security threat underscores the immense pressure currently facing IndiGo. The airline is not only fighting to regain public trust following massive travel disruptions but also dealing with a severe security challenge that drains resources and causes anxiety.
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the diversion, stating, "A security threat was received for IndiGo flight 6E1234... Following the established protocol, we informed the relevant authorities immediately and fully cooperated with them in carrying out the necessary security checks... Safety and security of our customers, crew and aircraft are our topmost priorities."
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the sender of the hoax email, treating the communication as a serious offense under relevant sections of the law.
