IndiGo Flight Diverted to Ahmedabad After Mid-Air Bomb Threat
A Hyderabad-bound IndiGo flight was diverted on Thursday after a bomb threat triggered an emergency response from airport authorities. The incident occurred at a time when the airline was already dealing with massive operational disruptions across India.
Flight 6E 058, travelling from Medina in Saudi Arabia to Hyderabad, issued an emergency alert after the crew received information about a possible explosive device on board. The aircraft carried 180 passengers and six crew members, according to airport officials.
Moreover, the flight made a safe emergency landing at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad around 12:30 PM. Airport authorities immediately evacuated all passengers and crew. Additionally, they initiated a full security sweep of the aircraft.
Officials said that local police assisted the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) during the search. However, nothing suspicious was found in the initial round of checks.
Although the threat proved false, officials continued detailed verification as part of standard protocol. Passengers waited at the terminal while security teams completed mandatory procedures.
Authorities Respond Quickly as Security Teams Sweep Aircraft
Airport sources stated that the threat alert reached the control room shortly before the aircraft entered Indian airspace. Therefore, the captain decided to divert the flight to Ahmedabad.
Security personnel reached the aircraft within minutes of landing. Moreover, the terminal was placed under heightened alert during the operation. Fire engines and specialised response units also deployed as a precautionary measure.
An official said, “The passengers were calm during the evacuation. However, strict checks were needed due to the nature of the threat.” The team continued its search to rule out all risks before clearing the aircraft for movement.
Additionally, airport officials coordinated with immigration teams for international clearances, since the flight originated from Saudi Arabia. IndiGo has not released a formal statement yet, though sources confirmed that the airline was assisting passengers.
Mass IndiGo Flight Cancellations Continue Across India
The bomb-threat scare unfolded as IndiGo struggled with mass cancellations triggered by the rollout of stringent crew rostering rules. The airline cancelled at least 250 flights on Thursday, adding to major chaos at airports across the country.
On Wednesday, the carrier cancelled over 150 flights, which left thousands of passengers stranded. Moreover, the airline issued an advisory stating that it had started making “calibrated adjustments” to its network for the next 48 hours.
The new rostering regulations require airlines to provide additional rest hours to pilots and cabin crew. Although the rules were introduced for safety, airlines are still adapting to the operational changes.
Passengers reported long queues, extended delays, and frequent last-minute cancellations at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Many travellers claimed they received no timely updates from the airline.
Travel experts said the disruption could continue until IndiGo fully adjusts its schedules to comply with the new guidelines. Additionally, they warned that ripple effects could impact other airlines as well.
Bomb Scare Adds Pressure on India’s Largest Airline
This latest security scare has put more pressure on IndiGo at a time when it faces severe operational challenges. Moreover, aviation analysts said the incident could intensify scrutiny on the airline’s emergency preparedness and passenger management systems.
The DGCA has been monitoring the cancellation crisis closely. Officials may also seek a detailed report on Flight 6E 058, including crew communication and response timeline.
Although the Amaravati-bound passengers were safe, many expressed concern about recurring flight disruptions. Some noted that the bomb scare added mental stress to an already frustrating travel week.
The airline is expected to issue updates for passengers booked on impacted flights. Meanwhile, authorities said the investigation into the threat’s origin would continue.