Security protocols were activated on Wednesday morning after a note threatening a hijacking was discovered in an aircraft washroom.
Security officials moved a Mumbai-bound Air India aircraft to an isolation bay at Kolkata airport on Wednesday morning after a hijack threat was discovered. According to the Times of India, the note was found in the plane's washroom shortly before its scheduled 10.20 am departure.
Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh said the note stated the plane would be hijacked at 11.10 am. Following the discovery, all passengers who had boarded the flight were deboarded.
The pilots alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) after cabin crew members found the note in the lavatory, according to Times Now. Security agencies have since initiated an investigation into the matter.
The aircraft was moved to a designated isolation bay for a detailed search and inspection. Security personnel are also expected to check the baggage of the passengers as part of the precautionary measures.
An official response from Air India is currently awaited.
