New Delhi: An IndiGo Airlines flight carrying 238 people was forced to make an emergency landing at Lucknow on Sunday after a bomb threat was reported while the aircraft was in the air.

The flight, 6E-6650, was en route from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Bagdogra when the alert was raised. As a precaution, the aircraft was diverted to Lucknow.

In a statement, IndiGo said a security threat was detected on board, prompting the diversion in line with standard operating procedures. “We immediately informed the relevant authorities and are fully cooperating with them to carry out all necessary security checks,” an airline spokesperson said.

The airline added that efforts were being made to minimise inconvenience to passengers, including providing refreshments and regular updates. “The safety and security of our customers, crew and aircraft remain our top priorities,” the spokesperson said.

ALSO READ | DGCA slaps ₹22.2 crore fine on IndiGo over massive December flight disruptions

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Verma, the threat came to light after a handwritten note was found on a tissue paper inside one of the aircraft’s toilets.

The plane landed safely at Lucknow airport at around 9.17 am and was taken to an isolation bay for detailed security checks. All passengers were evacuated immediately and screened as a precaution.

Air Traffic Control received information about the threat at approximately 8.46 am, following which standard emergency protocols were activated. Bomb disposal and CISF teams carried out a thorough search of the aircraft and the surrounding area.

ALSO READ | Passengers vs crew: Heated argument on IndiGo flight over delay goes viral

The flight was carrying 230 passengers — including 222 adults and eight infants — along with two pilots and five cabin crew members. Officials confirmed that all passengers and crew are safe, and an investigation is ongoing to rule out any threat.

-IANS