A suspected hijack threat on an Air India flight from Kolkata to Mumbai triggered an extensive security alert on Wednesday morning after a threatening message was reportedly discovered inside the aircraft's lavatory. The flight, AI 772, carrying 93 passengers and five crew members, was preparing for departure when the cabin crew noticed the message. The aircraft was immediately moved to an isolation bay, passengers were evacuated and security agencies launched a comprehensive inspection to establish the credibility of the threat.

Threatening Message Discovered Before Take-off

The incident involved an Airbus A320neo scheduled to operate from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata to Mumbai.

According to initial reports, cabin crew members discovered a message referring to a possible hijacking written on the lavatory mirror, reportedly using lipstick. Recognising the seriousness of the warning, the pilot immediately informed Air Traffic Control, triggering established aviation-security procedures.

The aircraft was subsequently moved away from the terminal area to an isolation bay. All 93 passengers and five crew members were safely deboarded, allowing security personnel to examine the aircraft without exposing passengers to potential danger.

Multi-Agency Security Operation Launched

Following the alert, multiple security agencies coordinated an extensive search operation involving:

·       Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Responsible for airport security and passenger-related security procedures.

·       Airport security personnel: Assisted in isolating the aircraft and securing the surrounding area.

·       Police and intelligence agencies: Began investigating the circumstances surrounding the threatening message.

·       Bomb disposal squad and fire services: Participated in the precautionary security inspection.

Authorities are also examining CCTV footage from the airport and relevant aircraft-related records to identify the individual responsible for writing the message.

Genuine Threat or Deliberate Hoax?

At this stage, the exact wording of the message, its author and the motive behind it remain unverified. Initial reports suggested a possible passenger-related issue, but investigators have not established whether the warning represented a genuine security threat or a deliberate hoax.

There have been no publicly confirmed reports of injuries, arrests or suspicious explosive devices.

Importantly, this was a security alert rather than a confirmed hijacking attempt.

Previous Threat Episodes Raise Concerns

India's aviation sector has experienced several similar incidents, particularly in 2023, when multiple airlines received bomb threats that subsequently proved false. Such episodes triggered emergency procedures, flight disruptions, passenger inconvenience and substantial operational costs.

Security Vigilance Must Remain Non-Negotiable

Investigators must establish the message's authenticity, identify its author and determine whether criminal intent was involved. The incident demonstrates why aviation security protocols cannot be compromised, even when a threat ultimately proves unfounded. Early detection before take-off prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. Equally important is ensuring that deliberate hoax threats attract appropriate legal consequences without creating unnecessary public panic.

(With agency inputs)