In a tense and swiftly executed emergency response, IndiGo flight 6E6650 was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Lucknow Airport on 18 January 2026 after a bomb threat was reported onboard.
What Happened on IndiGo Flight 6E6650…
The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo registered VT-ICG, was en route from Delhi (DEL) to Siliguri (IXB) when the threat was received, prompting immediate action from the flight crew and authorities.
The flight, scheduled to depart at 02:00 IST, was operating under normal conditions until mid-flight when the bomb threat was communicated.
The crew diverted the aircraft to Lucknow (LKO), where it landed safely. Upon arrival, the aircraft was isolated and a full-scale security sweep was initiated by airport authorities and bomb disposal squads.
All passengers and crew were evacuated without incident, and no injuries were reported.
The Aircraft Involved in the Bomb Threat & Emergency Landing in Lucknow…
The aircraft involved, VT-ICG, is a relatively new Airbus A321-252NX, delivered to IndiGo on 29 November 2024.
Built in Hamburg and initially test-registered as D-AZAL, the aircraft entered commercial service on 7 December 2024.
It is configured in an all-economy layout with 232 seats and powered by two CFM LEAP-1A30 engines.
According to Planespotters.net, the aircraft is leased from Indican Leasing and remains active in IndiGo’s fleet.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 confirms that 6E6650 was operating its usual route from Delhi to Siliguri, a sector typically completed in under two hours.
However, the emergency diversion to Lucknow disrupted the flight path and led to a delay in arrival.
The aircraft’s previous rotations on this route had been uneventful, with different A321neo units assigned in preceding days.
Looks to be a Hoax?
Following the emergency landing, authorities launched a comprehensive search of the aircraft and its cargo.
As of the latest updates, no explosive device has been found, and the threat is being treated as a hoax pending further investigation.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and local law enforcement are collaborating to trace the origin of the threat and assess potential security lapses.
IndiGo issued a statement confirming the safety of all passengers and crew, emphasizing that the airline followed standard operating procedures in coordination with airport and security agencies.
The airline also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured passengers of its commitment to safety.
This incident underscores the critical importance of robust aviation security protocols and the readiness of flight crews to respond to emergencies.
While bomb threats are rare, they pose significant operational and psychological challenges, requiring swift coordination between airlines, airports, and law enforcement.
As investigations continue, VT-ICG is expected to undergo thorough inspection before returning to service.
The incident has prompted renewed discussions around threat assessment procedures and passenger screening, especially on domestic routes within India.
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