A tissue paper bearing the words ”bomb@5.30” was discovered in the lavatory of an Indigo flight from Delhi to Varanasi at Delhi airport on Tuesday morning, triggering a security response. However, authorities later determined it to be a false alarm, according to a senior CISF official.
The Delhi fire services received a call at 5.35 am and dispatched two fire engines. The CISF bomb disposal squad also conducted a check of the flight.
Delhi Police confirmed receiving information around 5 am regarding a paper found in the lavatory of the Indigo flight bound for Varanasi, with the word “bomb@5.30” written on it. A comprehensive inspection was carried out in accordance with security protocols, but no suspicious items were discovered.
A CISF official stated that a member of the flight crew discovered the tissue paper with the word “bomb” and promptly informed the authorities.
“We need to investigate the circumstances that led the crew to evacuate the passengers through the emergency gate. Although the flight was cleared after a security check, as it was about to depart, the note was found, leading to the aircraft being moved to the isolation bay for a thorough inspection,” the official said.
“All passengers were safely disembarked following standard security protocols. The aircraft was then taken to a remote bay for mandatory checks by security agencies. After a thorough inspection, no suspicious items were found,” the official added.
Meanwhile, an Indigo spokesperson stated that the IndiGo flight from Delhi to Varanasi had received a specific bomb threat at Delhi airport.
“All necessary protocols were followed, and the aircraft was taken to a remote bay as per guidelines from airport security agencies. All passengers were safely evacuated through the emergency exits,” the spokesperson said.
The aircraft is currently undergoing inspection, and once all security checks are completed, it will be returned to the terminal area.