IndiGo Bengaluru to Lucknow flight returns after hijack threat note found in lavatory

An IndiGo flight bound for Lucknow returned safely to Bengaluru on Saturday evening after a handwritten hijack threat note was discovered in an onboard lavatory shortly after take-off.

Flight 6E-451 had departed Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport at 5:50 pm carrying 178 passengers. Around 30 minutes into the journey, a passenger entering the toilet noticed a note reading: "This flight is going to hijack at 6.30, ignore and see the consequences."

The passenger immediately alerted the cabin crew, who notified the pilot-in-command. Following established safety protocols, the pilot contacted Bengaluru Air Traffic Control and obtained priority clearance for an emergency turn-around.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft remained airborne for 51 minutes before landing safely back in Bengaluru. Airport authorities declared a full emergency as a precautionary measure, directing the plane to an isolated bay away from active passenger terminals.

Security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force, Bengaluru police, bomb disposal squads, and specialised canine units immediately cordoned off the aircraft. All 178 passengers were safely deboarded in line with standard operating procedures while security teams executed a meticulous search of the cabin and inspected all passenger baggage.

Bangalore International Airport Ltd sources confirmed that thorough physical and technical checks revealed no explosives or hazardous materials onboard. Officials subsequently declared the threat a hoax and lifted the airport emergency status.

An IndiGo spokesperson stated that the airline informed relevant authorities immediately upon receiving the report and prioritised the safety of passengers and crew above all else. The airline provided refreshments and regular status updates to passengers while awaiting security clearance.

Police authorities confirmed an investigation has been launched to identify the individual responsible for placing the note inside the aircraft lavatory. The flight was cleared for departure later in the evening to resume its journey to Lucknow.