A suspected hijack threat triggered a major security scare at Kolkata airport on Wednesday morning after a threatening note was discovered inside the washroom of a Mumbai-bound Air India flight shortly before its scheduled departure. The discovery prompted an immediate security response, with the aircraft moved to an isolation bay for precautionary checks.
Threat Note Discovered Before Take-Off
The Air India flight was scheduled to depart for Mumbai at 10:20 am. The suspected threat message was found inside the aircraft’s washroom while the plane was preparing for departure. Following the discovery, security officials were alerted and the aircraft was immediately separated from regular airport operations.
The flight was identified as AI 772, an Airbus A320neo operating on the Kolkata-Mumbai route. The pilot also alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the security concern, triggering the necessary emergency procedures.
Aircraft Shifted to Isolation Bay
Following the alert, security personnel moved the aircraft to a designated isolation bay at the airport. Such areas are used to conduct detailed security inspections away from regular airport operations.
Passengers were reportedly asked to disembark as security teams prepared to examine the aircraft. The inspection process is intended to establish whether the threat involves any genuine security risk.
Investigation Into Threat Message
The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the note remain unclear. Security agencies are expected to examine the aircraft and investigate how the threatening message was placed inside the washroom.
There has been no confirmation of an actual hijacking attempt. The discovery of a threat note, however, was sufficient to activate precautionary aviation security protocols.
Further details about the investigation, the security clearance and the flight’s departure schedule are awaited. The incident once again highlights the strict security measures followed by airport authorities whenever a potential threat to passenger safety emerges.