In a morning filled with tension and panic, a Shillong-bound IndiGo flight was grounded at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata following a serious bomb threat. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026, sent shockwaves through the aviation sector and left passengers traumatized as emergency protocols were swiftly activated .
The Discovery That Stopped a Flight
The alarm was raised during the boarding process of IndiGo flight 6E 3074/6E 7304, which was scheduled to take off from Kolkata at 9:15 AM for the short hop to Shillong . According to airport officials, a cabin crew member conducting a routine check inside the aircraft’s lavatory discovered a handwritten note. The chilling message explicitly claimed that there was a bomb planted somewhere inside the aircraft .
Immediately following the discovery, the cockpit crew alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC), and the aircraft was rapidly directed to move to an isolation bay—a remote area away from the main terminal and other aircraft designed specifically for such security emergencies .
Passengers Evacuated in Isolation Drama
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as announcements were made for everyone to disembark immediately. In adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) , all passengers who had already boarded were quickly and safely deboarded and moved to a secure location within the airport .
While the evacuation was underway, the airport was put on high alert. Specialized units, including the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and CISF personnel, swarmed the aircraft. Every piece of luggage, the cargo hold, and the cabin were subjected to a thorough counter-terrorism search .
Security Check and Aftermath
For nearly two hours, the aircraft remained in the isolation bay as security agencies left no stone unturned. Fortunately, the thorough investigation confirmed that the threat was a hoax. No suspicious or explosive materials were found onboard .
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the event, stating, “A security threat was noticed onboard flight 6E 7304… Following our procedures, we immediately informed the relevant authorities and are fully cooperating with them. We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers. As always, the safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft are our topmost priorities” .
After getting the all-clear from the security agencies, the flight was eventually cleared for departure, taking off for Shillong at approximately 11:30 AM—over two hours behind schedule .
A Rising Trend in Hoax Threats
This incident is not isolated. It adds to a worrying list of recent disruptions in Indian skies. Just hours after this scare, another IndiGo flight arriving in Kolkata from Dibrugarh also reported a bomb threat, this time with a message allegedly written in lipstick inside the lavatory .
Authorities have noted a surge in such incidents over the last year. In response to the wave of threats in late 2024, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and CISF revised their protocols, allowing Bomb Threat Assessment Committees (BTAC) to meet virtually to speed up decision-making and reduce passenger inconvenience .
While these hoaxes cause significant financial loss and delays, aviation authorities maintain that every threat—credible or not—must be treated with the highest degree of seriousness to ensure the safety of the flying public .
Key Takeaways: How Authorities Respond to a Bomb Threat
- Isolation Bay: The aircraft is immediately towed to a remote location to contain potential damage and protect the main terminal .
- Evacuation: All passengers and crew are deboarded as quickly as possible and taken to a safe area for secondary screening .
- BDDS Sweep: The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad conducts a physical and electronic search of the aircraft .
- BTAC Meeting: A committee of airport, police, CISF, and airline officials assesses the credibility of the threat .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which flights were affected by the bomb threat at Kolkata Airport?
The primary flight affected was IndiGo flight 6E 3074/6E 7304, which was scheduled to fly from Kolkata to Shillong on the morning of February 14, 2026 . Later that evening, a Dibrugarh-to-Kolkata IndiGo flight also faced a similar scare .
2. Where was the bomb threat note found?
In both incidents involving the Kolkata airport on this day, the handwritten notes were discovered by crew members inside the lavatories (toilets) of the aircraft .
3. Was any explosive device found on the plane?
No. After a comprehensive search by the CISF and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), no suspicious items were found, confirming the threat to be a hoax .
4. What happens to passengers after a bomb threat?
Passengers are immediately deboarded and taken to a secure, isolated area within the terminal. They may be subject to additional security screening. Airlines typically arrange for the flight to depart later if it is cleared, or provide alternative arrangements .
5. Is it a crime to make hoax bomb threats?
Yes. Making a hoax bomb threat is a serious criminal offense. It causes significant disruption, panic, and financial loss. Perpetrators can face legal action, including imprisonment and being placed on a no-fly list .
Conclusion
The bomb scare on the Kolkata-Shillong IndiGo flight serves as a stark reminder of the volatile security environment that the aviation industry navigates daily. While the incident turned out to be a hoax, the seamless coordination between the airline, the CISF, and the airport authorities ensured that passenger safety was never compromised.
At Digiparvat, we urge travelers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest authorities. While these threats cause delays and anxiety, the rigorous implementation of safety protocols is what keeps the skies safe for everyone.
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