Mid-air terror alert
During the flight, Mumbai airport staff received a chilling call. An unknown caller claimed explosives were hidden in the Airbus’s toilet. “The plane will explode in the air,” the voice warned – then hung up.
Authorities quickly informed Chennai air traffic control, diverting IndiGo 6E-5025 to Chennai, where it landed safely at 19:20 with 176 passengers and six crew members oblivious to the looming scare.
Massive security response
At Chennai airport, the plane met a full-scale security operation. Bomb squads, command units, and airport security cordoned off the runway. Passengers were evacuated to terminal waiting areas while experts conducted painstaking checks throughout the aircraft.
“Full inspections are ongoing, but initial findings suggest a false alarm,” said a spokesperson. Hours later, the search confirmed no explosives were present – the threat was a malicious hoax.
Passengers shaken but unharmed
Holidaymakers en route to Phuket faced tense hours. “We didn’t know what was happening – suddenly security was everywhere,” said one passenger. Despite fear and uncertainty, relief swept through once the plane was cleared.
Travelers waited until all inspections concluded before continuing to Phuket. IndiGo apologised for the delay and provided refreshments to passengers.
Growing menace of bomb hoaxes
False bomb threats are increasingly common in India, triggering costly multi-agency responses, flight disruptions, and passenger distress. Police are actively investigating the caller.
“Such pranks are no trivial matter; they endanger public safety,” warned a security expert. Indian law imposes heavy fines and up to three years in prison for bomb-related hoaxes.