BackAviation Security Incident
IndiGo Flight 6E-6650 Diverted to Lucknow After Bomb Threat on Tissue Paper
An IndiGo Airlines flight traveling from Delhi to Bagdogra was diverted to Lucknow on January 18, 2026, after a handwritten bomb threat was discovered on tissue paper in the aircraft's toilet. All 238 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and security agencies conducted a comprehensive search of the aircraft.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights aviation security vulnerabilities and the effectiveness of emergency response protocols in handling in-flight security threats. It demonstrates the continued need for vigilance in aircraft operations and the swift coordination between airlines, air traffic control, and security agencies.
Timeline
6 Events
Investigation Underway
January 18, 2026
Law enforcement agencies and security officials began investigating the origin of the threat and the identity of the individual responsible. Standard safety protocols were confirmed to have been followed throughout the incident.
Security Response and Evacuation
January 18, 2026, 9:17 AM onwards
Bomb disposal squads and CISF security teams surrounded the aircraft. All 238 passengers and crew were safely evacuated and scanned. A comprehensive search of the aircraft was initiated.
Emergency Landing at Lucknow
January 18, 2026, 9:17 AM
The aircraft landed safely at Lucknow airport at approximately 9:17 AM and was immediately moved to an isolation bay.
Flight Diverted to Lucknow
January 18, 2026, 8:46 AM
Following emergency protocols, the aircraft was diverted from its original destination of Bagdogra to Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport.
Bomb Threat Message Discovered
January 18, 2026, 8:46 AM
A handwritten message written on tissue paper was discovered in the aircraft's toilet stating 'Plane mein bomb' (Bomb on plane). Air Traffic Control was immediately notified of the threat.
IndiGo Flight 6E-6650 Departs Delhi
January 18, 2026, 7:46 AM
IndiGo flight 6E-6650, an Airbus A321-251NX, departed Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport en route to Bagdogra carrying 238 passengers (222 adults and 8 infants), 2 pilots, and 5 crew members.