New Delhi: A hijack threat triggered a major security alert at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Wednesday morning after a threatening message was discovered aboard a Mumbai-bound Air India flight shortly before take-off.
The message, reportedly written on the mirror inside one of the aircraft’s lavatories, warned of a possible hijacking. The discovery caused concern at the airport as the aircraft was preparing for departure.
Following the discovery, the pilot immediately informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the threat. Security protocols were promptly activated, and the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for a detailed inspection.
Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), along with specialised airport security teams, launched an extensive search operation. Security personnel began examining different sections of the aircraft to ensure that no suspicious objects or potential threats were present.
Meanwhile, police and security agencies have initiated an investigation to establish who was responsible for writing the threatening message and whether the warning was part of a deliberate attempt to disrupt flight operations.
Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from various locations across the airport, along with available surveillance footage from inside the aircraft, to identify the person behind the message.
The incident prompted heightened security measures at the airport as authorities continued their investigation and carried out checks to rule out any potential danger before allowing further operations involving the aircraft.
