An IndiGo flight operating from Bengaluru to Lucknow made an emergency return to Kempegowda International Airport on Saturday evening after a handwritten note threatening a hijack was discovered in the aircraft's lavatory. The incident, which triggered a full emergency response, involved flight 6E-451 carrying 178 passengers.
Threat Note Triggers Emergency Protocols
The flight, which departed Bengaluru at 5:50 PM on November 7, 2026, was approximately 30 minutes into its journey when a passenger found the alarming note. The message, scrawled in the toilet, warned: “This plane is going to get hijacked exactly at 6.30. Ignore this and see the consequences.”
Upon notification, the cabin crew immediately alerted the pilot-in-command. Following established security protocols, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested priority clearance to return to Bengaluru. A full emergency was promptly declared at Kempegowda International Airport as the aircraft prepared for its unscheduled landing.
Extensive Security Sweep Declares Threat a Hoax
After the flight landed safely, security agencies, airport personnel, and airline staff initiated a thorough inspection of the aircraft. This comprehensive search lasted approximately 90 minutes. Authorities confirmed that no suspicious objects or any evidence supporting an attempted hijacking were found during the detailed sweep. Consequently, the security alert was withdrawn, and the threat was officially declared a hoax.
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the security alert, stating, “A security threat was reported onboard IndiGo flight 6E 451, operating from Bengaluru to Lucknow on 07 November 2026. In line with protocol, the pilots decided to return the aircraft to its originating airport for the necessary security checks.” The airline also noted that relevant authorities were informed immediately and that the flight would only resume after receiving the required clearances.
Flight Resumes Journey to Lucknow
Following the successful security clearance, flight 6E-451 resumed its journey to Lucknow later that same night and landed safely, according to officials. Investigations are expected to continue, with police examining the threat note and reviewing available evidence to identify the individual responsible for the hoax. As of the latest reports, no case registration or suspect identification has been publicly announced.