A Lucknow-bound IndiGo flight returns to Bengaluru after a hijack threat note was found on board

The crew immediately alerted the pilot-in-command, who then informed Air Traffic Control and requested priority clearance to return to Bengaluru. | Photo credit: Image for representation

A Lucknow-bound IndiGo flight on Saturday (November 7, 2026) made an emergency return to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after a handwritten hijack threat note was discovered in the toilet shortly after take-off.

Flight 6E-451 departed Terminal 1 KIA when flight attendants found the ticket. The message reportedly read: “This flight will be hijacked at 6:30, ignore it and see the consequences.”

The crew immediately alerted the pilot-in-command who informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested priority clearance to return to Bengaluru. Airport authorities have declared a full state of emergency as a precautionary measure.

According to flight tracking website Flightradar24, the plane stayed in the air for 51 minutes before returning to KIA. | Photo credit: Flightradar24

According to flight tracking website Flightradar24, the plane stayed in the air for 51 minutes before returning to KIA.

The aircraft landed safely and was moved to an isolated bay, where security agencies, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Bengaluru police, cordoned off the area. All passengers were safely disembarked in accordance with standard operating procedures.

As part of the security checks, bomb disposal personnel and dog squads were deployed to check the plane and passengers’ luggage. Resources from Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL) told The Hindu that the plane was subjected to a thorough check after the threat. Checks revealed nothing suspicious and the aircraft was declared safe. “Subsequently, the threat was found to be a hoax after which the authorities lifted the emergency,” sources said.

Officials said an investigation has been launched to find out who left the handwritten note inside the plane.

In a statement to The Hindu, an IndiGo spokesperson said as per standard operating procedure, the relevant authorities were immediately informed and the pilots decided to return to their place of origin to carry out the necessary safety checks as per protocol. The airline said it was providing refreshments and regular updates to passengers. The flight will continue its journey after receiving the required clearances. IndiGo said the safety of passengers and crew remained its top priority.

Published – 07 Nov 2026 21:35 IST