A major security alert was triggered at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International (RGIA) Airport on Saturday after it received a threat email claiming that there was a “human bomb” onboard an IndiGo flight from Jeddah to Hyderabad, prompting authorities to divert the aircraft to Mumbai, where it landed safely, police said.
The email, sent around 5:25 am on November 1, claimed that LTTE-ISI operatives were planning a large-scale attack like the 1984 Madras (now Chennai) airport bomb blast, prompting authorities to initiate emergency protocols, news agency PTI reported.
According to officials, the email was sent to the airport’s customer support from an address linked to an individual identified as Papaita Rajan. The subject line read: “Prevent landing
of IndiGO 68 to Hyderabad.”
“Onboard LTTE-ISI operatives have planned a major 1984 Madras Airport Modus Operandi-style blast on impact at the RGIA Port. Fuselages and fuel tanks are fixed with microbots. The IEDs will contain potent nerve gas. The Frankfurt operation is a test to study remedies. Please read the steganographic document below for IED location details; read between the lines,” the email warned.
After receiving the email, the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee met virtually between 5:39 am and 6:22 am to evaluate the situation. After reviewing the threat, it was classified as specific.
The committee then decided to divert the flight to the nearest airport. Additionally, GMR Security was directed to file a police complaint.
The flight was then diverted to Mumbai airport, where it safely landed, airport officials said, adding “all (security) checks were carried out and no issue was found”.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered. Further investigation is on, police added.
Airline Responds
In a statement, an IndiGo spokesperson said, “A security threat was received for IndiGo flight 6E 68 operating from Jeddah to Hyderabad on November 1 and the aircraft was diverted to Mumbai.” According to IndiGO, following the established protocol, the airline informed the relevant authorities immediately and fully cooperated with them in carrying out the necessary security checks before the aircraft was cleared for further operations.
“We made all efforts to minimise inconvenience to our customers, including offering them refreshments and sharing regular updates,” the airline spokesperson stated.
Earlier in September, Delhi Airport was placed on emergency alert on September 30 when an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Delhi received a bomb threat. Flight 6E 762, operating from Mumbai to Delhi, was reported to have received threat calls, prompting heightened security measures at the airport.
Operations at the airport returned to normal after security checks cleared the aircraft.
(With inputs from agencies)
