Bomb Scare Forces Phuket-Bound IndiGo Flight To Make Emergency Landing In Chennai

Chennai: On Friday evening, IndiGo flight 6E 1089, operating from Mumbai to Phuket in Thailand, was compelled to make an emergency landing at Chennai airport owing to a security threat detected onboard. The aircraft, carrying 176 passengers and six crew members, was immediately diverted to Chennai following an anonymous call to Mumbai airport administration claiming explosives were hidden in the plane’s lavatory. The caller asserted the aircraft would explode mid-flight before disconnecting the call.

After receiving the threat call, the flight was diverted to Chennai airport, where it made a safe landing at around 7.20 pm. All the passengers were evacuated and relocated to waiting lounges within the terminal for their safety. A rigorous security operation ensued with bomb squad personnel, security officials, and commando forces encircling the aircraft to conduct intensive searches. As per updates from the Chennai airport PRO, whilst the bomb squad has cleared the aircraft of any suspicious items, clearance for the flight to resume its journey has not yet been granted.

IndiGo officials confirmed the incident, asserting that in adherence to established protocol, relevant authorities were immediately alerted upon detection of the security threat. Further, necessary security checks were carried out at the Chennai Airport. Further, the continuation of the journey was scheduled for later due to a night curfew in place at Phuket Airport. 

IndiGo officials stressed that they are doing everything possible to minimise inconvenience to their customers, which includes offering refreshments and keeping customers updated regularly. “As always, the safety and security of our customers, crew and aircraft is our topmost priority,” the statement concluded.

Earlier, IndiGo flight 6E-2111, flying from Lucknow to Delhi on September 14, suffered a technical snag right before it was set to take off. As a precaution, the aircraft was returned to the bay, and all passengers were safely disembarked, according to sources. The airline then arranged for another aircraft so that passengers could carry on with their journey to Delhi.

Further details regarding the threat on the flight are awaited.