India
IndiGo Flight Lands Early After Tissue Paper Bomb Threat Hoax
By Venkadesan S
A tissue paper with the message ‘Boom 1.50 pm’ found in the lavatory of an IndiGo flight bound for Chennai triggered a bomb scare on Friday. The 192‑passenger flight, which had departed from Hyderabad around noon, was diverted to land at Chennai airport at about 1 pm. After the crew member discovered the paper stuck to the mirror, the pilot informed the air traffic controller, requested a priority landing, and relayed the threat. Chennai airport authorities followed standard operating procedures, moving the aircraft to a remote bay where security teams, including sniffer dogs, inspected the cabin, passengers, luggage and the aircraft itself. After an hour of searches and questioning, the threat was declared a hoax. Passengers were allowed to leave the airport, and a formal complaint was filed at the airport police station. The incident caused tension at the airport but was resolved without incident.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the IndiGo flight to land early?
A tissue paper bomb threat hoax.
How many passengers were on the flight?
192 passengers.
What actions were taken by Chennai airport authorities after the threat?
The aircraft was moved to a remote bay, security teams including sniffer dogs inspected the cabin, passengers, luggage, and the aircraft. After an hour of searches and questioning, the threat was declared a hoax, passengers were allowed to leave, and a formal complaint was filed.