A scheduled IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Lucknow was forced to turn back on November 7, 2026, after a threatening message regarding a potential hijack was discovered onboard. The incident prompted a full-scale emergency response at Kempegowda International Airport, as aviation security protocols were immediately activated to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The aircraft, identified as flight 6E 451, was mid-air when the alarming discovery was made inside the plane's lavatory. According to reports from law enforcement, a passenger aboard the flight found a handwritten note that explicitly warned of a hijack scheduled for 6:30. The note further cautioned the crew and passengers to ignore the message at their own peril, warning of subsequent consequences.
Upon discovering the note, the passenger alerted the cabin crew, who promptly relayed the information to the pilots. Following standard operating procedures for security threats, the cockpit crew decided to abort the journey to Lucknow and return to their point of origin in Bengaluru. Ground authorities at Kempegowda International Airport were notified of the situation, leading to the declaration of a full emergency to prepare for the aircraft’s unscheduled landing.
Once the plane landed, it was directed to an isolated area of the airport, away from the main terminal, to facilitate comprehensive safety checks. Aviation security personnel and law enforcement agencies took control of the situation, conducting rigorous anti-sabotage sweeps and thorough inspections of the aircraft cabin to verify the nature of the threat. The passengers were held as authorities worked to secure the plane and investigate the origin of the note.
IndiGo issued an official statement regarding the incident, confirming that flight 6E 451 had returned to Bengaluru following a security threat. The airline emphasized that the safety of its customers, crew, and aircraft remains its utmost priority, and stated that all relevant authorities were informed immediately in line with established protocols. The airline also confirmed that ground personnel provided refreshments and regular updates to the affected passengers during the delay.
While the security checks were underway, the airport remained on high alert. However, after a detailed examination of the aircraft and the evidence, law enforcement officials declared the threat to be a hoax. With the security sweep complete and no actual danger identified, the aircraft was cleared for departure, allowing the flight to eventually resume its journey to Lucknow.
This incident follows a series of recent security challenges faced by the aviation industry. In the week leading up to this event, numerous flights across Europe were affected by a string of hoax bomb threats. These disruptions forced several airlines to scramble for safety, leading to flight diversions and significant air traffic management issues. Aviation authorities continue to treat such threats with extreme seriousness, adhering to strict safety protocols despite the frequent occurrence of hoaxes, to maintain public confidence and operational integrity in air travel.
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