IndiGo Jeddah–Hyderabad Flight Diverted to Mumbai After ‘Human Bomb’ Threat

A major security scare unfolded early Saturday after an IndiGo flight travelling from Jeddah to Hyderabad received a bomb threat mid-route, prompting its diversion to Mumbai. The flight, operating as 6E 68, landed safely, according to officials at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA).

Threat Email Triggers Panic at Hyderabad Airport

Authorities at RGIA said the airport's customer support received an alarming email around 5:25 am on November 1, warning of an imminent terror attack. The email, sent from an address linked to an individual named Papaita Rajan, had the subject line: "Prevent landing of IndiGO 68 to Hyderabad."

Officials said the message contained detailed threats, claiming the presence of a "human bomb" on board the IndiGo aircraft. It also made chilling references to an attack similar to the "1984 Madras Airport Modus Operandi-style blast" and mentioned explosives containing nerve gas and IEDs. The email further referred to a "Frankfurt operation" as a supposed test mission.

Authorities Respond Swiftly to Bomb Threat

The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee convened virtually between 5:39 am and 6:22 am to review the situation. After assessment, officials categorised the warning as specific and acted immediately.

An airport official stated, "Subsequently, the committee decided the following: the flight shall be diverted to the nearest airport, the captain shall be informed through ATC, and a police complaint shall be lodged by GMR Security."

The coordinated response involved airport security teams, local police, and central intelligence agencies. A full-scale investigation has been launched to trace the source of the threatening email and verify its authenticity.

IndiGo Expands International Network Amid Incident

Even as security agencies handled the bomb threat, IndiGo Airlines announced new international flight services. The carrier will launch direct flights between Bengaluru and Riyadh starting November 16, using Airbus A320 aircraft.

With this addition, Riyadh becomes the second Saudi Arabian destination connected to Bengaluru after Jeddah. IndiGo already operates flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah, further strengthening its presence in the Middle East region.