Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 1: Panic gripped passengers aboard an IndiGo flight from Jeddah to Hyderabad after the airline received a bomb threat referencing a “1984 Madras Airport-style blast.” The flight was immediately diverted to Mumbai early on Friday, where thorough security checks were conducted before the aircraft was cleared for onward travel.

In a statement, IndiGo Airlines confirmed that flight 6E 68, operating between Jeddah and Hyderabad, was diverted following the security alert. “Following the established protocol, we informed the relevant authorities immediately and fully cooperated with them in carrying out the necessary security checks before the aircraft was cleared for further operations,” the airline said.

According to aviation tracker Flightradar24, the flight was originally scheduled to land in Hyderabad at 9.10 a.m., but was diverted mid-air to Mumbai after the bomb threat was reported. The aircraft later departed from Mumbai post-inspection and landed safely in Hyderabad around 4 p.m.

The airline stated that all efforts were made to ensure minimal inconvenience to passengers, with refreshments and regular updates provided during the delay. “As always, the safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft remain our topmost priorities,” IndiGo added.

Sources revealed that the threat email referenced a “1984 Madras Airport-style blast,” a chilling reminder of the Meenambakkam bomb blast that occurred on August 2, 1984, at Chennai (then Madras) airport, claiming 33 lives. The attack was later traced to the Sri Lankan separatist group Tamil Eelam Army.

Authorities have launched an investigation to trace the origin of the threat email, while security agencies remain on high alert following the incident.