A routine pre-flight inspection at Lucknow airport turned into a full-blown emergency Tuesday night after a tissue paper scrawled with ‘Bomb in plane’ was found inside an IndiGo aircraft.
The discovery prompted an immediate lockdown of the plane and evacuation of all passengers. Bomb squad experts arrived within minutes, launching a high-stakes search operation that paralyzed airport activities for over two hours.
Using sniffer dogs, X-ray scanners, and manual inspections, the team combed through the IndiGo jet’s interior. Seats were lifted, luggage bays opened, and even air vents scrutinized. Relief swept through when the all-clear was sounded – the threat was a hoax.
IndiGo officials downplayed the disruption but confirmed cooperation with investigators. ‘Safety protocols were followed to the letter. Our crew and ground staff acted decisively,’ a spokesperson noted.
Passengers shared harrowing accounts on social media. ‘Suddenly, we heard ‘evacuate immediately.’ It felt like a movie scene,’ tweeted one traveler. Delays rippled across multiple flights, stranding hundreds.
Police suspect the note was planted deliberately to cause chaos. Forensic teams are analyzing the tissue for fingerprints and handwriting matches. Similar incidents have plagued Indian airports lately, often traced to disgruntled employees or thrill-seekers.
In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued fresh advisories for airlines to enhance cabin pre-boarding audits. Lucknow airport authorities plan to install AI-powered surveillance for better threat detection.
While the scare ended without harm, it highlights vulnerabilities in air travel security. Experts call for stricter penalties on hoax perpetrators to deter such acts. IndiGo has compensated affected passengers and resumed services seamlessly.
The aviation sector continues to adapt, balancing convenience with ironclad safety measures in an era of unpredictable threats.
