A hijack threat targeting a Mumbai-bound Air India flight triggered a major security response at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The threatening note was discovered inside the aircraft’s washroom shortly before its scheduled departure, prompting airport authorities to activate emergency security protocols.
The threat was later declared a hoax after security agencies completed their inspection. The aircraft departed for Mumbai at 5:38 pm, nearly seven hours behind its scheduled departure time.
Hijack Threat Discovered Before Take-off
According to airport authorities, the incident involved Air India flight AI 2772, operating on the Kolkata-Mumbai route. The aircraft was scheduled to depart at approximately 10:30 am.
At around 10:37 am, cabin crew members discovered a threatening message inside the aircraft’s lavatory. The note reportedly warned that the aircraft would be hijacked at 11:10 am.
According to reports, the message was written on the washroom mirror, possibly using lipstick. The cabin crew immediately alerted the concerned authorities, following which the pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC).
Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh confirmed that the threatening note had been discovered shortly before departure. The incident was immediately treated as a potential aviation security threat.
Aircraft Moved to Isolation Bay, Passengers Deboarded
Following the discovery, airport authorities moved the aircraft to an isolation bay, away from regular airport operations, to facilitate a detailed security inspection.
All 105 passengers who had boarded the aircraft were safely deboarded. Security agencies, including personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), airport security teams and bomb disposal specialists, were deployed to conduct the necessary checks.
The inspection covered different sections of the aircraft, including passenger compartments, lavatories, luggage and other potentially sensitive areas. Passengers’ belongings were also subjected to security checks as part of the precautionary measures.
Authorities also examined CCTV footage and other available information to establish how the threatening message was placed inside the aircraft and identify the person responsible.
The security response was carried out in accordance with established aviation security procedures. Officials prioritised passenger safety and ensured that the aircraft would not resume operations until the necessary inspections were completed.
Threat Declared Hoax, Flight Departs After Seven-Hour Delay
After conducting extensive security checks, authorities found no suspicious objects or evidence of an actual hijacking threat.
The threat was subsequently declared a hoax, and the aircraft was cleared for departure.
According to officials at Kolkata airport, Air India flight AI 2772 finally took off for Mumbai at 5:38 pm on Wednesday. The departure came nearly seven hours after its originally scheduled time.
Although the incident did not result in a hijacking or any reported physical harm, it caused significant disruption to passengers and flight operations.
Repeated Security Alerts Raise Aviation Safety Concerns
The incident comes amid a series of security alerts involving Indian passenger aircraft in recent days.
Earlier, a Bengaluru-Lucknow IndiGo flight was forced to return to Bengaluru after a passenger discovered a handwritten hijack threat inside the aircraft’s washroom. The message reportedly warned that the aircraft would be hijacked at a specified time.
Following the discovery, the passenger alerted the cabin crew, and the pilot informed ATC before deciding to return to Bengaluru as a precautionary measure. Passengers were subsequently deboarded, and security personnel conducted a detailed inspection of the aircraft.
Such incidents highlight the importance of aviation security protocols and the need for immediate action whenever a potential threat is reported.
Even when a threat ultimately proves to be false, airport authorities and security agencies are required to treat it seriously until appropriate checks establish otherwise. A timely response is essential to prevent potential risks to passengers, crew members and airport operations.
The Kolkata incident once again underlines the challenges faced by aviation authorities in responding to security alerts while ensuring the safety and confidence of air travellers.
