An IndiGo flight, carrying 222 passengers, en route from Delhi to Bagdogra in West Bengal, made an emergency landing at Lucknow airport in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday (January 18), following a bomb threat, officials said. The aircraft, operating as flight number 6E 6650, was diverted to Lucknow as a precautionary measure and landed safely at around 9:17 am.
Threat message found on a tissue paper in toilet
According to airport authorities, information was received through Air Traffic Control (ATC) at around 8:46 am on January 18 regarding a bomb threat on IndiGo flight 6E-6650. Acting swiftly as per standard security protocols, the aircraft was diverted and made a safe emergency landing at Lucknow Airport at 9:17 am. After landing, the aircraft was immediately moved to an isolation bay, and security agencies swung into action.
Preliminary investigations revealed the threat message was found in the form of a handwritten note on tissue paper that read: "Bomb on the plane."
ACP Rajneesh Verma said, "A message was found written on a tissue paper in the toilet of the flight, stating that there was a bomb on board. The flight was en route from Delhi to Bagdogra. It made an emergency landing in Lucknow and is currently being searched."
222 passengers, along with crew, were on board
The flight was carrying 222 passengers and eight infants, along with two pilots and five crew members. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated without any injuries following standard security protocols.
Bomb disposal squads, security agencies and airport authorities are currently carrying out thorough security checks of the aircraft and surrounding areas. Police officials said the situation is being closely monitored and further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and credibility of the threat.
Authorities confirmed that the law and order situation remains normal and under control, and detailed information is being gathered as part of the ongoing probe. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
IndiGo issues statement
In a statement IndiGo Spokesperson said, "A security threat was noticed onboard IndiGo flight 6E 6650 operating from Delhi to Bagdogra on 18 January 2026, due to which the aircraft was diverted to Lucknow. Following the established protocol, we informed the relevant authorities immediately and are fully cooperating with them in carrying out the necessary security checks."
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