A Mid-Air Scare: IndiGo Flight 6E 2706 Faces Bomb Threat
On the morning of June 17, 2025, passengers aboard IndiGo flight 6E 2706 experienced moments of sheer panic as the aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Nagpur due to a bomb threat. The flight, originally scheduled from Delhi to Varanasi, was cruising mid-air when the alert was raised, prompting immediate action from the crew and aviation authorities.
The airline confirmed that all 176 passengers and crew were safe following the emergency procedures. However, the psychological impact of the situation was profound, with many describing it as the “most terrifying few hours” of their lives.
Swift Response by Crew and Authorities
Quick Thinking Saved Lives
The IndiGo flight crew acted swiftly as soon as the bomb threat was identified. According to sources, the threat was communicated anonymously, leading the pilot to divert the aircraft to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) immediately cleared the route, and emergency protocols were activated at Nagpur airport. Fire tenders, ambulances, and bomb disposal squads were kept on high alert even before the aircraft touched the runway.
Smooth Emergency Landing
The flight landed safely at around 10:15 AM, and passengers were quickly evacuated via emergency slides. The bomb squad and security agencies then carried out a thorough search of the aircraft, luggage, and cargo.
What Passengers Experienced
Fear, Panic, and Silent Prayers
Several passengers took to social media to share their frightening experience. “We had no idea what was happening until we were told to prepare for an emergency landing. People were crying, praying. It felt like a nightmare,” said 28-year-old Rajeev Sharma, a software engineer traveling to Varanasi for work.
Another passenger, Priya Das, a student from Delhi, shared: “The crew was calm and did their best to not scare us, but when you hear the words ‘bomb threat,’ your heart just sinks. I thought I’d never see my family again.”
Authorities Take Over Investigation
Bomb Disposal Squad Finds No Explosives
After nearly three hours of intense search and scrutiny, the bomb squad declared the aircraft and all baggage free of any explosives. Authorities are now treating the incident as a hoax, but investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the threat.
Security Measures Being Reviewed
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have initiated a detailed probe. Surveillance footage, passenger lists, and call logs are being analyzed to track the caller or source of the threat.
An official from IndiGo stated:
“Safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We thank everyone on board for their cooperation and the security teams for their prompt action.”
Growing Concerns Over Airline Safety
Rise in Hoax Threats
This incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of air travel and the mental toll such threats can cause. Over the past year, India has witnessed a surge in hoax threats, especially targeting schools and airports.
Experts suggest that authorities need to strengthen cybersecurity and call tracing mechanisms to prevent such disruptions and psychological trauma.
Humanity Triumphs in Chaos
Passengers Laud Crew’s Calmness
Despite the chaos, many passengers have praised the crew for handling the situation with remarkable composure and professionalism. “The flight attendants were heroes in the sky,” said another survivor.
Families waiting at the destination airports expressed their gratitude upon hearing that their loved ones were safe. “This was a second life for many of us today,” said one passenger’s relative.
