Passengers aboard an IndiGo flight endured a nail-biting wait at Lucknow airport after a tissue paper with ‘Bomb in plane’ scribbled on it was found during pre-departure checks.
The unsettling find, spotted near a seat, triggered standard operating procedures. Airport police and the elite Bomb Disposal Unit were mobilized posthaste, transforming the tarmac into a secure zone.
Specialists in hazmat suits executed a precision search. Thermal imaging, canine units, and vapor detectors were pressed into service across the IndiGo Airbus. Passengers were calmly deplaned and relocated to holding areas.
The operation concluded successfully after 120 minutes – hoax confirmed, plane sanitized and cleared. Operations normalized swiftly thereafter.
IndiGo Airlines lauded the coordinated effort. ‘Our protocols ensured zero risk to lives. We regret the inconvenience,’ read their official communique.
Social media buzzed with passenger narratives. Videos of the evacuation garnered thousands of views, amplifying the story nationwide. One family recounted their ordeal: ‘Kids were scared, but staff handled it professionally.’
Investigators are treating it as a serious offense. Potential culprits face aviation security Act charges, with fines up to Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment. Recent trends show juveniles and ex-employees as prime suspects.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) weighs in, advocating tech upgrades like explosive-sensing cabin cameras. Lucknow airport exemplifies resilience, having thwarted multiple threats before.
In the broader canvas, such episodes test India’s aviation infrastructure. With 150 million annual passengers, even rare hoaxes demand flawless execution. IndiGo’s fleet returns to rhythm, but the vigilance lingers.
Ultimately, this Lucknow episode proves preparedness pays off, turning potential disaster into a non-event.