IndiGo flight faces bomb threat; Kolkata-Shillong aircraft evacuated
An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Shillong was evacuated on February 14, 2026, after a crew member found a bomb threat note in the aircraft's lavatory. The flight was moved to an isolation bay, and security agencies conducted thorough checks. No explosives were found, and the flight was later cleared for departure.
Key Highlights
- Bomb threat note found on IndiGo flight before takeoff.
- Kolkata-Shillong flight passengers and crew safely evacuated.
- Aircraft moved to isolation bay for security checks.
- No explosives found after thorough investigation.
- Flight eventually cleared and departed for Shillong.
On February 14, 2026, an IndiGo flight, operating from Kolkata to Shillong, experienced a significant security scare when a crew member discovered a handwritten bomb threat note inside the aircraft's lavatory. The flight, scheduled to depart from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata at 9:15 AM, was immediately moved to an isolation bay after the discovery. All passengers and crew members on board flight 6E 7304 were safely deplaned as a precautionary measure. Security agencies, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), bomb disposal squads, and dog units, were quickly deployed to conduct an intensive search of the aircraft and its baggage. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that standard operating procedures were followed, including a thorough sweep of the cabin and re-screening of all baggage. Following exhaustive security checks, no suspicious objects or explosives were found on board the aircraft. The IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that the airline immediately informed the relevant authorities and cooperated fully with the security checks, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety is their top priority. The airline also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the passengers. After the aircraft was cleared by security agencies, flight 6E 7304 eventually departed for Shillong later in the afternoon, after a considerable delay. This incident is part of a series of recent bomb threats that have been reported on flights, including an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Pune on January 23, 2026, where a similar note was found in the lavatory. Such recurring incidents highlight ongoing aviation security concerns in the region. The investigation into how the note was placed inside the aircraft's lavatory is ongoing, with authorities reviewing CCTV footage and passenger manifests. False bomb threats are treated as serious offenses under aviation security laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on the IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Shillong?
A handwritten bomb threat note was discovered in the lavatory of IndiGo flight 6E 7304 by a crew member before its scheduled departure from Kolkata to Shillong on February 14, 2026. This led to the evacuation of passengers and crew and a thorough security check of the aircraft.
Were there any explosives found on the IndiGo flight?
No, after extensive security checks by bomb disposal squads and other agencies, no explosives or suspicious objects were found on the IndiGo aircraft.
What actions were taken after the bomb threat was reported?
The flight was moved to an isolation bay, passengers and crew were evacuated, and a comprehensive security search was conducted by multiple agencies as per standard operating procedures.
When did the IndiGo flight to Shillong finally depart?
The IndiGo flight, which was scheduled to depart at 9:15 AM, was delayed due to the security scare and eventually departed for Shillong in the afternoon after being cleared by security agencies.
