Bengaluru, November 8, 2026: An IndiGo flight travelling from Bengaluru to Lucknow was forced to return to Kempegowda International Airport on Saturday evening after a passenger discovered a handwritten note threatening to hijack the aircraft.
The flight, 6E 451, was carrying 178 passengers when the threat was discovered approximately 30 minutes after takeoff on November 7.
The incident triggered a full emergency response at Bengaluru airport. Following a security inspection lasting around 90 minutes, police declared the threat a hoax, and the aircraft resumed its journey to Lucknow later that night.
Hijack Threat Found Inside Aircraft Toilet
The incident occurred after IndiGo flight 6E 451 departed Bengaluru at approximately 5:50 PM on Saturday.
While the aircraft was travelling towards Lucknow, a passenger entered the washroom and discovered a handwritten message warning that the plane would be hijacked at 6:30 PM.
The passenger immediately alerted the cabin crew, who informed the pilots.
Given the seriousness of the message, the flight crew initiated emergency security procedures rather than continuing towards its destination.
Pilots Decide to Return to Bengaluru
After receiving the information, the pilots contacted Air Traffic Control and decided to return to Bengaluru as a precautionary measure.
The aircraft turned around and headed back to Kempegowda International Airport.
Airport authorities were informed about the suspected security threat, allowing emergency personnel to prepare for the flight’s arrival.
IndiGo confirmed that the decision was taken in accordance with established aviation security procedures.
Full Emergency Declared at Bengaluru Airport
Authorities declared a full emergency at Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport following the hijack warning.
Security personnel and aviation authorities were deployed to respond to the situation.
After landing safely, the aircraft was isolated for detailed security checks.
All 178 passengers were asked to disembark while investigators examined the aircraft for possible threats.
There were no reports of injuries during the incident.
Security Teams Search Aircraft for 90 Minutes
Security personnel conducted an extensive inspection of the aircraft after its return.
The checks included examining passenger areas and other accessible sections of the plane.
According to a senior police officer quoted by The Times of India, the security operation lasted approximately 90 minutes.
No credible hijacking threat was established during the inspection.
Authorities subsequently classified the handwritten warning as a hoax.
The aircraft was cleared to resume operations after completing the required procedures.
Passengers Questioned Over Threatening Note
Police also questioned passengers as part of efforts to identify the person responsible for leaving the message.
Investigators are examining whether the note was placed inside the aircraft by someone travelling on the flight.
However, authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or confirmed who wrote the threatening message.
The investigation is continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
IndiGo Issues Statement After Security Scare
IndiGo confirmed that its Bengaluru-Lucknow service had returned because of a security threat reported onboard.
The airline said the relevant authorities were immediately informed and that the pilots followed the prescribed safety procedures.
IndiGo also apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers.
The airline arranged refreshments and provided updates while security checks were underway.
It reiterated that passenger, crew and aircraft safety remained its priority.
Flight Resumes Journey to Lucknow
Following the inspection, police declared the threat a hoax.
The aircraft subsequently resumed its journey to Lucknow later on Saturday night.
The incident caused a significant delay but did not result in a confirmed hijacking attempt.
The successful completion of the security checks allowed passengers to continue their journey.
Investigation Launched to Identify Person Responsible
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the origin of the threatening message.
Investigators may examine available evidence, passenger information and relevant security records to determine who left the note onboard.
False hijacking threats can trigger major security responses, disrupt airline operations and cause considerable inconvenience to travellers.
Any legal action will depend on the evidence collected and the identification of those responsible.
Similar Aviation Security Scares Reported Earlier
The latest incident comes amid continuing concerns about threats directed at Indian airlines.
On October 23, an IndiGo flight scheduled to travel from Delhi to Chennai was taken back to its parking bay after a threatening note was discovered inside the aircraft.
That threat was also declared a hoax following security checks.
Such incidents demonstrate the operational challenges airlines and airports face when responding to threats that must be treated seriously until verified.
Passenger Safety Remains Priority
Aviation security procedures require airline crews and airport authorities to assess reported threats carefully.
Even when a message ultimately proves false, pilots may decide to return to the departure airport or divert to another suitable airport.
Security inspections are carried out to establish whether passengers, crew members or the aircraft face any actual danger.
The response to the Bengaluru incident illustrates the importance of coordination between pilots, air traffic controllers, airport security personnel and police.
Latest Update on IndiGo Hijack Threat
As of the morning of November 8, 2026, the latest confirmed developments are that the aircraft returned safely to Bengaluru, all 178 passengers were deboarded for security checks, and the threatening note was declared a hoax.
The flight resumed its journey to Lucknow after the inspection.
The identity of the person responsible for the message remains unconfirmed.
While the incident caused a major security alert, no actual hijacking occurred.
Source: NDTV, The Times of India, Moneycontrol, The Economic Times — November 7–8, 2026
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