An IndiGo aircraft traveling from Chennai to Hyderabad was forced to execute an emergency landing at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday evening following a serious bomb threat. The swift action by the flight crew and security agencies ensured the safety of all 176 passengers and crew members on board.
Timeline of the Emergency Incident
The flight, operating as IndiGo 6E 5312, departed from Chennai International Airport as scheduled. While en route to its destination, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, the airline's security team received a threatening communication. The message indicated a potential bomb on board the aircraft.
In immediate response to this critical security alert, the pilot-in-command decided to divert the Airbus A320neo aircraft. The closest and most equipped airport for such an emergency was Mumbai. The plane was safely landed at the Mumbai airport at approximately 6:45 PM on Tuesday, May 27.
Security Response and Passenger Safety
Upon landing, the aircraft was directed to an isolated bay away from the main terminal building. This is a standard precautionary procedure for such high-risk situations. All passengers and crew were evacuated from the plane swiftly and safely.
A multi-agency security protocol was immediately activated. Teams from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Mumbai Police, and other agencies cordoned off the area. A thorough combing operation and security check of the entire aircraft, including the cargo hold and passenger cabins, was conducted. Bomb detection and disposal squads were also deployed to the scene.
"The aircraft landed safely and all passengers were disembarked normally. The aircraft is being sanitized as per security procedures," an IndiGo spokesperson confirmed in an official statement.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the exhaustive security sweep, no suspicious item or explosive device was found on the aircraft. The threat was declared a hoax, but authorities are treating the matter with utmost seriousness. An investigation has been launched to trace the origin of the threatening communication.
Such hoax calls and threats are considered a major crime under Indian law, as they cause widespread panic, disrupt essential services, and waste significant security resources. The incident led to delays for the affected passengers and potential schedule disruptions for other flights.
IndiGo, India's largest airline, stated that passenger safety remains its highest priority. The airline is cooperating fully with the investigative agencies. Passengers from the affected flight were provided with necessary assistance and alternative travel arrangements to reach Hyderabad.
This event highlights the robust security protocols and coordination between airlines, airport authorities, and national security forces in India to handle inflight emergencies. It serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required in civil aviation to ensure traveler safety against all threats, real or fabricated.
