Bomb threat forces Delhi-bound flight to make emergency landing in Nagpur

An IndiGo flight operating on the Muscat–Kochi–Delhi route (Flight 6E2706) made an emergency landing at Nagpur airport after reportedly receiving a bomb threat, officials confirmed.

The flight had departed Kochi airport at 9:20 a.m., with a scheduled arrival in Delhi at 12:35 p.m., when the threat was communicated, Caliber.Az reports, citing Indian media.

Sources at Kochi airport stated that the threat specifically mentioned the flight number, prompting immediate security protocols. "A meeting was convened, as per procedure, and found that threat was specific as flight number was given," an official explained. Since the flight was already airborne, it was diverted to Nagpur as a precautionary measure.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lohit Matani confirmed that all passengers were safely deboarded following the emergency landing. “So far, nothing suspicious has been found,” DCP Matani said, emphasizing that precautionary measures continue to be strictly enforced as investigations are underway.

Airport security and bomb disposal units promptly initiated a comprehensive sweep of the aircraft and surrounding areas to ensure passenger safety. Authorities are currently working to verify the origin and credibility of the threat, maintaining heightened vigilance throughout the probe.

Passengers, though shaken, were reported to be safe and cooperating with officials. Investigators are collaborating with various agencies to trace the source of the threat and prevent any potential security breaches.

Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. The incident underscores the importance of swift response and coordination between airport authorities and security agencies to mitigate risks and uphold aviation safety standards.

To recall, on June 12, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 242 individuals—including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian—plunged into a medical college hostel in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad.

The crash occurred approximately five minutes after departure at 13:38 IST (08:08 UTC). The flight crew issued a mayday call to air traffic control before communication was lost.

Initial reports indicate that at least 204 bodies have been recovered from the crash site, including 75 from a medical hostel struck by the aircraft. A 40-year-old British national was rescued from the wreckage.

By Vafa Guliyeva