Delhi-Varanasi IndiGo Flight Receives Hoax Bomb Threat, Passengers Evacuated | VIDEO

New Delhi: An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Varanasi was moved to an isolation bay after receiving a bomb threat on Tuesday morning, May 28, prompting passengers onboard to immediately evacuate the aeroplane. However, it turned out to be a hoax post-security checkup.

The flight, 6E2211 was scheduled to take off from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in the early morning. However, the airport officials stated that a call was made to the Delhi Fire Department at around 5:30 am regarding the threat.  Following this, a quick response team was immediately deployed, and all passengers were deboarded safely. Although, no clear information on the number of passengers on the flight was provided.

"IndiGo flight 6E2211 operating from Delhi to Varanasi had received a specific bomb threat at Delhi airport. All necessary protocols were followed and the aircraft was taken to a remote bay as per guidelines by airport security agencies. All passengers were safely evacuated via the emergency exits," the statement from indiGo read.

The Indian airline stated that it has launched an investigation into the matter and the aircraft will be positioned back post-completion of all security checks.

"The flight is currently undergoing inspection. Post completion of all security checks, the aircraft will be positioned back in the terminal area," it reads further. 

However, hours later, a senior CISF official quoted by ANI said, “A tissue paper, with the word 'bomb' written on it, was found in the lavatory of Indigo flight 6E2211 from Delhi to Varanasi at Delhi airport, prompting security agencies to conduct an inspection but it turned out to be a hoax.” 

This comes as earlier in the day, a few IndiGo flyers took to social media and claimed that their Varanasi to Delhi flight was delayed. Replying to one of the passengers, the airline replied, "We apologize for this experience and assure you that it is never our intention to disrupt the travel plans of our flyers. As checked, the flight is impacted due to operational reasons."

Mumbai on High Alert

On Monday, May 27, Mumbai's Taj Hotel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport received a bomb threat via call on Monday.

"Mumbai Police control room on Monday received a call that bombs have been placed at Taj Hotel and airport in the city. Police searched the locations but nothing suspicious was found. The call originated from Uttar Pradesh and search for the caller is underway,"  said Mumbai Police.

However, while speaking to reporters, an official confirmed that the threat call turned out to be a hoax. “An unidentified person threatened to blow up Hotel Taj and Mumbai airport claiming bombs are planted at these places, which turned out to be a hoax after police conducted a search but no suspicious object was found.”

This isn't the first time, an airline or other entity has received a bomb threat. At the beginning of this month, an Air India flight lavatory at Delhi IGI airport found a tissue paper with the word 'Bomb' written on it. Safe evaluations were taken, however, it later turned out to be a hoax.

"Following standard security protocols, a thorough inspection was conducted, and no suspicious items were found," an official said.