Security Alert: Hijack Threat Discovered on Air India Flight from Kolkata
Hijack Threat Discovered Before Takeoff
A file image of NSCBI Airport, Kolkata. (Representative image/X)
Kolkata, Nov 11: A serious security incident unfolded when a hijack threat note was discovered in the restroom of an Air India flight bound for Mumbai shortly before its scheduled departure on Wednesday morning.
The note, which warned of a hijacking at 11:10 AM, was found just prior to the flight's planned takeoff at 10:20 AM, according to Vikram Singh, the director of Kolkata airport.
In response to the threat, all passengers who had boarded the aircraft were promptly evacuated, and the plane was relocated to an isolation area for safety.
Security measures were swiftly implemented, leading to the aircraft being moved to an isolated bay for a comprehensive inspection and precautionary actions, Singh noted.
"At 10:37 AM today, a hijack note was discovered by the cabin crew in the lavatory of Air India flight AI 2772 (A320, registration VT-TNH), which was operating on the Kolkata (CCU) to Mumbai (BOM) route at NSCBI Airport, Kolkata. Relevant checks are currently being conducted by the appropriate agencies following established protocols," stated Kolkata airport in an official announcement.
The aircraft was carrying 105 passengers at the time the note was found, and investigations are ongoing by the relevant authorities, as mentioned in the statement.
As of now, Air India has not released any official comments regarding the incident.