IndiGo Flight to Varanasi Receives Hoax Bomb Threat; Passengers Evacuated Safely
An IndiGo flight bound for Varanasi encountered a bomb threat at the airport on Tuesday morning, prompting a thorough search of the aircraft which concluded the threat to be unfounded, according to local police.
The incident led to the evacuation of all 176 passengers and staff onboard, initiating a comprehensive search operation. As a precautionary measure, passengers will be accommodated on another flight scheduled to depart at 11 am, as confirmed by an IndiGo spokesperson.
“Around 5 am, authorities received information regarding a note discovered in the lavatory of the IndiGo flight, bearing the phrase ‘bomb @5.30’,” stated a senior police official. Following a meticulous inspection, no suspicious items were found, affirming the threat to be a hoax. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
The note was reportedly found by the pilot just before departure from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, prompting immediate security procedures and relocation of the aircraft to a remote bay, in accordance with established safety protocols.
“All necessary safety protocols were rigorously adhered to, and passengers were safely evacuated via emergency exits,” the IndiGo spokesperson confirmed.
