False bomb threat on Lucknow-Pune IndiGo flight triggers security measures

Sources revealed that the user posted on social media, "I have placed a bomb in the plane; many people are going to die today."

An IndiGo spokesperson noted that the airline has been receiving similar false threats in recent days, and investigations are ongoing. (File Photo)

In a series of bomb threats targeting flights, IndiGo’s Operations Control Centre (OCC) tracked threats against three of its flights, one of which was operating between Lucknow and Pune on Wednesday night. However, the threat was later confirmed to be a prank, and a complaint was registered against the individual responsible, according to officials at Pune International Airport (PIA).

The OCC identified a social media post by an unknown user threatening to attack IndiGo flight 6E 118 from Lucknow to Pune. Following this, airport authorities, in coordination with the airline, police, and CISF, initiated precautionary measures.

Recently, there has been a surge in such threats targeting flights. On Wednesday alone, seven IndiGo flights, including 6E 118, were subjected to these hoaxes.

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Sources revealed that the user posted on social media, “I have placed a bomb in the plane; many people are going to die today.”

Santosh Dhoke, director of Pune Airport, stated that the airline’s OCC team actively monitors such activities. “On Wednesday night, they detected the threatening post targeting three IndiGo flights, one of which was about to land in Pune,” he said.

“Upon receiving the alert from the OCC in Delhi, we followed the Standard Operating Procedure. The flight landed safely and on time with all precautions in place,” Dhoke added.

An IndiGo spokesperson noted that the airline has been receiving similar false threats in recent days, and investigations are ongoing.

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Pune IndiGo issued a statement saying, “Flight 6E 118, operating from Lucknow to Pune, received a security-related alert. Upon landing, the aircraft was isolated, and all passengers were safely disembarked. Ensuring the safety and security of our customers and crew remains paramount in all facets of our operations. We worked closely with the relevant authorities, and standard operating procedures were followed. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this situation may have caused our customers and appreciate their understanding.”

Shubham Tigga

Shubham Tigga hails from Chhattisgarh and studied journalism at the Asian College of Journalism. He previously reported in Chhattisgarh on Indigenous issues and is deeply interested in covering socio-political, human rights, and environmental issues in mainland and NE India. Presently based in Pune, he reports on civil aviation, other transport sectors, urban mobility, the gig economy, commercial matters, and workers' unions. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More

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