Overview
- Crew members discovered a handwritten note in a lavatory on IndiGo flight 6E‑451 shortly after takeoff, prompting the pilots to notify air traffic control and return to Kempegowda International Airport on Saturday evening.
- The aircraft was moved to an isolated bay, about 178 passengers were deboarded, and the Central Industrial Security Force, Bengaluru police, bomb-disposal teams and dog squads carried out anti-sabotage and baggage checks.
- Flight-tracking data show the plane remained airborne for about 51 minutes before landing and security teams completed thorough inspections without finding any suspicious items.
- Officials declared the threat a hoax after the searches and reported that the flight later continued to Lucknow once clearances were given, while a formal investigation seeks to identify the author and how the note entered the cabin.
- The incident follows other recent security and safety reports involving IndiGo and is likely to increase scrutiny of airport and airline checks and of procedures for lavatory access, CCTV review and passenger screening.