A scheduled passenger flight from Chennai to Hyderabad was forced to make an emergency diversion to Mumbai on Thursday after authorities received a bomb threat. The incident involved an IndiGo aircraft, flight number 6E 5144, and triggered a major security alert.
Flight Diverted Amid Security Scare
The IndiGo Airbus A320neo was en route to its destination, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, when the threat was communicated. In response to the serious nature of the threat, the pilot and aviation security officials made the critical decision to divert the aircraft to the nearest major airport equipped to handle such emergencies, which was Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The flight, carrying 176 passengers and crew members, landed safely in Mumbai at approximately 4:40 PM. Following standard security protocols for such situations, the aircraft was directed to an isolated bay away from the main terminal building. This is a standard procedure to minimize risk to other airport operations and infrastructure.
Thorough Security Sweep Conducted
Upon landing, a comprehensive security operation was immediately launched. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the aircraft. Multiple agencies, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Mumbai Police, and airline security personnel, swung into action.
The aircraft and all baggage onboard underwent a meticulous and thorough check. After an extensive search that lasted several hours, security forces declared that no explosive or suspicious device was found on the plane. The threat was deemed a hoax, but authorities treat all such threats with the utmost seriousness to ensure passenger safety.
Passenger Safety and Next Steps
The primary focus throughout the ordeal was the safety and well-being of the 176 individuals onboard. IndiGo airline officials confirmed that all passengers were safe and were being assisted by ground staff in Mumbai. The airline has a standard protocol to manage such incidents, which includes coordinating with security agencies and making arrangements for affected passengers.
An investigation has been initiated to trace the origin of the bomb threat. Making a hoax bomb threat is a serious criminal offence under Indian law, and authorities are working to identify the perpetrator. Such incidents cause significant disruption to air travel, incur substantial costs for airlines and airports, and waste crucial security resources.
This event highlights the robust security protocols in place within Indian aviation. The swift coordination between the flight crew, air traffic control, and multiple ground security agencies ensured the situation was handled efficiently and without panic, ultimately leading to a safe resolution for everyone involved.
