Panic at Bengaluru Airport: Full Emergency After Hijack Note Found on IndiGo Flight
A full emergency was declared at Bengaluru Airport after a hijack threat note was found on an IndiGo flight bound for Lucknow.
A wave of tension gripped Kempegowda International Airport (Terminal 1) in Bengaluru on Saturday after a Bengaluru Airport hijack threat triggered a full-scale emergency. The alarm was raised when a suspected threatening note was discovered inside the lavatory of an IndiGo aircraft that had just departed for Lucknow.
Threat Discovered Mid-Flight
The incident unfolded on IndiGo flight 6E-451. While the aircraft was en route to Lucknow, crew members conducting routine checks discovered a handwritten note in the washroom that indicated a potential hijack threat. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the flight crew acted swiftly to prioritize the safety of everyone on board.
Following strict aviation safety protocols, the pilots immediately decided to abort the journey and turned the aircraft back toward Bengaluru. The decision to return to the origin airport was made to ensure that the plane could be thoroughly inspected in a controlled environment.
High-Alert Security Response
As the aircraft approached the runway, a full emergency was declared at the airport. Upon landing, the plane was immediately isolated from other aircraft. Security personnel and aviation law enforcement authorities took charge of the scene, launching an intensive anti-sabotage sweep to ensure there were no dangerous devices or threats hidden on the plane.
Authorities are currently conducting a detailed investigation to trace the origin of the note and identify the individual responsible for the threat.
IndiGo Responds to the Crisis
In an official press statement, an IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the security breach and the subsequent actions taken by the crew. The airline emphasized that the decision to return to Bengaluru was in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
"A security threat was reported onboard IndiGo flight 6E 451, operating from Bengaluru to Lucknow on 07 November 2026. In line with Standard Operating Procedure, the relevant authorities were informed immediately and the pilots decided to return to origin to carry out the necessary security checks, as per protocol," the statement read.
The airline further expressed regret for the disruption caused to the passengers, stating that the safety and security of customers, crew, and aircraft remain their absolute priority.
Passenger Assistance and Next Steps
While the security sweeps continued, ground personnel worked to manage the affected passengers. The airline provided refreshments and regular updates to those stranded on the aircraft and at the terminal.
The flight is expected to resume its journey to Lucknow only after receiving the necessary security clearances from the aviation authorities, ensuring that the aircraft is completely safe for takeoff.