Delhi Airport Bomb Threat: Note On Tissue Paper Sparks Emergency, Later Declared Hoax

News18

a day ago

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A message found on Vistara flight UK-2954 claimed that a bomb had been planted on flight UK-2948, located at Terminal-3 of Delhi Airport
Panic gripped Terminal-3 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport early Thursday morning after a chilling bomb threat note was discovered inside a flight, triggering a full-scale emergency response from security agencies. The threat, scribbled on a piece of tissue paper, warned of an explosive device aboard a separate aircraft, setting off alarms across the country's busiest airport.
According to officials, the scare began at 4:42 AM when a flight crew member aboard Vistara flight UK-2954, which had just landed from Mumbai, found the note during post-landing checks. The message claimed that a bomb had been planted on flight UK-2948, located at Terminal-3 of IGI Airport. The crew immediately alerted authorities, prompting swift action by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Delhi Fire Service, and other emergency units.
Within minutes, the terminal was placed under heightened alert as security personnel cordoned off the area and initiated a coordinated search operation. Sniffer dogs, bomb detection squads, and fire safety officers swept through the premises, while passengers were held in controlled zones for safety. Though operations continued, the mood was tense throughout the hour-long drill.
By around 6 AM, the Delhi Fire Service confirmed that no explosives were found and labeled the threat a 'hoax bomb threat". Flights were not significantly disrupted, and normalcy returned shortly afterward. However, the authorities are treating the incident with utmost seriousness.
This kind of false alarm is no trivial matter. It diverts crucial security resources and creates unnecessary panic. We are investigating the origin of the message and will ensure strict legal action against whoever is responsible, said a senior CISF officer.
Officials have launched a detailed enquiry into how the threatening note ended up on board and whether it was planted mid-air or earlier during ground operations. CCTV footage, baggage checks, and passenger interviews are reportedly underway to trace the source.
The IGI Airport, recognised among Asia's top aviation hubs for its high passenger volume and international facilities, maintains tight security protocols year-round. However, this incident has once again exposed how even a single note can upend routine and trigger a serious security scare.
First Published:
June 27, 2025, 15:10 IST