Kolkata-Mumbai Air India flight moved to isolation bay after hijack threat note found in washroom

A Mumbai-bound Air India flight carrying 147 passengers was rushed to an isolation bay at the Kolkata airport on Wednesday morning after a hijack threat note was discovered in a washroom just before takeoff.

Threat Note Found

The incident on Flight AI 772 took place around 10.20 am as the pilot prepared for departure. Cabin crew members noticed a hijack alert written on a toilet mirror, possibly with lipstick, carrying a warning that the plane would be hijacked at 11.10 am. Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh said all passengers who had boarded the aircraft were safely deboarded following the discovery.

Security Response

Security protocols were activated immediately, and the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for a thorough inspection. According to airport police, security personnel, fire brigade teams, and members of the bomb squad were deployed to search the aircraft as part of normal safety procedures.

Context

Threat notes found on commercial flights automatically trigger strict standard operating procedures involving security agencies and bomb disposal squads to ensure passenger safety. Airports handle such security scares with immediate isolation and thorough checks to rule out any genuine danger before clearing aircraft for travel.