Panic briefly gripped a Kuwait–Delhi IndiGo international flight on Friday after a bomb and hijack threat was discovered mid-air, prompting authorities to divert the aircraft and carry out an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The threat, written on a tissue paper, triggered a full-scale security response, including intensive checks of all passengers, baggage and the aircraft.
Airport sources said the flight was carrying around 180 passengers. All onboard were safely evacuated after landing and subjected to detailed security screening. No explosive or suspicious material has been found so far, but investigations are continuing in line with aviation security protocols.
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Threat note discovered during flight
According to preliminary information, the threat came to light when a handwritten note was found inside the aircraft. The message warned of a possible hijacking attempt and a bomb onboard. The cabin crew immediately alerted cockpit staff, who followed standard operating procedures and informed air traffic control.
Given the seriousness of the threat, a decision was taken to divert the aircraft to Ahmedabad instead of continuing to Delhi, allowing security agencies to conduct controlled checks at a major airport equipped for emergency response.
Officials said the decision was precautionary and aimed solely at ensuring passenger safety.
High alert declared at Ahmedabad airport
Soon after the aircraft touched down, the airport was placed on high alert. Bomb disposal squads, dog squads, airport security personnel and local police were deployed. Passengers were escorted off the plane in an orderly manner and shifted to a secured holding area within the terminal.
Airport police officials confirmed that a thorough anti-sabotage check was carried out, covering the cabin, cargo hold, lavatories and technical compartments of the aircraft. While nothing suspicious has been detected in the initial sweep, authorities said every threat is treated as credible until conclusively ruled out.
“The aircraft and all belongings were examined as per protocol. Clearance will be given only after all checks are completed,” an official said.
Flight delay expected
Due to the extended security operation and procedural clearances, the flight’s onward journey to Delhi is expected to be delayed by at least two hours, officials said. IndiGo staff and airport authorities were seen briefing passengers and providing updates as the situation unfolded.
Some passengers said there was momentary anxiety when the diversion was announced, but credited the cabin crew and security personnel for handling the situation calmly and professionally.
Spike in bomb threat incidents
The latest incident adds to a series of bomb threat alerts involving domestic and international flights over the past few weeks, raising concern among aviation security agencies.
Earlier this month:
On January 18, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Bagdogra received a bomb threat and was diverted to Lucknow for checks.
On January 22, a Delhi–Pune IndiGo flight was forced to make a precautionary landing after a handwritten threat note was found inside a lavatory.
All previous incidents eventually turned out to be hoaxes, but each required extensive security deployment, causing flight disruptions and heightened alert levels.
Officials said the pattern suggests a need for stricter scrutiny, as even false threats strain security resources and disrupt operations.
Security agencies probe source of threat
Investigators are now focused on identifying who wrote the note and how it was placed inside the aircraft. CCTV footage from departure points, passenger manifests, seat allocation data and onboard movement patterns are being examined.
Authorities are also checking whether the threat is the work of an individual prankster, a disruptive passenger, or part of a coordinated attempt to create panic and operational disruption.
Security officials reiterated that zero tolerance is followed in aviation threat cases. “Every alert is treated seriously, regardless of whether it ultimately proves false,” an official said.
Passengers urged to stay vigilant
Airport authorities and airline officials have once again urged passengers to remain alert and immediately report any unattended items, suspicious notes or unusual behaviour to crew members.
They also appealed to the public not to spread rumours or unverified information, stressing that misinformation can worsen panic during sensitive situations.
The Ahmedabad incident has once again placed the spotlight on aviation security preparedness and the challenges posed by repeated threat messages. Further action will be determined based on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
