Hyderabad: A major security alert was triggered at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad early on Saturday after officials received a threatening
email warning of a possible blast involving nerve gas and IEDs. The email, sent around 5:25 am on November 1, claimed that LTTE-ISI operatives were planning a large-scale attack, prompting authorities to immediately divert an IndiGo flight and initiate emergency protocols. 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.” The message contained detailed plans for an attack, referring to a “1984 Madras Airport Modus Operandi-style blast” targeting aircraft fuselages and fuel tanks with microbots. It further warned that the IEDs contained potent nerve gas, and even mentioned a “Frankfurt operation” as a test study.
Swift Action by Authorities
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.An airport official said, “Subsequently, the committee decided the following: the flight shall be diverted to the nearest airport, the captain shall be informed through ATC, and a police complaint shall be lodged by GMR Security.”
The email’s disturbing content led to immediate coordination between airport security, police, and central agencies. The authorities have since launched a detailed probe to trace the source and authenticity of the email.
Meanwhile, IndiGo Airlines also announced new direct flights between Bengaluru and Riyadh, starting November 16. The airline will operate Airbus A320 aircraft on the route, enhancing connectivity between the two cities.
Riyadh becomes the second Saudi Arabian city after Jeddah to have direct IndiGo connections with Bengaluru. The airline already flies to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah.
