Tension gripped Pune Airport as an IndiGo flight from Delhi arrived under a cloud of suspicion following a bomb threat. On January 22, flight 6E 2608 landed without issues, but a threatening message surfaced, leading to full-scale security drills.
The airline’s statement outlined how the threat was detected post-landing. ‘We followed all protocols, alerting authorities instantly and assisting in every step of the evacuation,’ IndiGo said. Every passenger and crew member exited safely, with the plane then subjected to detailed scrutiny.
Echoing a pattern, this followed a near-identical scare on IndiGo’s 6E-6650, which was forced into an emergency landing at Lucknow en route to Bagdogra. The flight, with 230 souls including infants, pilots, and cabin staff, parked in isolation after a tissue note declared a bomb aboard.
Police reports from Lucknow revealed the note’s discovery during initial sweeps at 9:17 AM landing. Evacuation was seamless, and thorough checks confirmed the all-clear. Despite the hoax, the episode mobilized bomb squads and canine units, underscoring the gravity of such calls.
Experts attribute these threats to mischief-makers seeking attention, but warn of potential terror links. IndiGo’s fleet, handling millions monthly, navigates these risks with robust training. The airline vows enhanced vigilance, while regulators mull tougher laws against aviation hoaxes.
Passengers shared relief on social media, praising calm handling. As India’s skies grow busier, balancing security and service remains key. Probes aim to unmask culprits, restoring traveler confidence shaken by back-to-back alerts.