An IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Delhi with about 180 passengers on board was delayed on Friday after a bomb threat prompted a security alert shortly before its scheduled departure. Authorities later determined the threat was a hoax, but the aircraft stayed grounded while required security checks were completed. The flight had been scheduled to depart Lucknow for Delhi at 10:45 am, according to news agency PTI.
Sources told PTI that the aircraft’s crew was informed of a potential bomb threat on board shortly before departure. In response to the alert, the plane was kept at the apron and did not proceed to take off. Security staff promptly initiated an inspection of the aircraft and its vicinity as a precautionary step to safeguard the passengers and crew.
Tissue paper with 'bomb' written on it triggered panic
The alarm was raised after a tissue paper bearing the word "bomb" was found in one of the aircraft’s lavatories, according to sources quoted by news agency PTI. The message led security agencies to carry out a thorough inspection of the plane. However, officials later determined that the threat was a hoax.
No explosive or harmful substance found
During the security inspection, authorities did not discover any explosives or other dangerous materials on the aircraft. An official stated that no explosive materials were found during the inspection and that additional legal and security measures were in progress. The flight had reportedly not departed yet..
(With inputs from PTI)