A Mumbai-bound Air India flight carrying 147 passengers was rushed to an isolation bay at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Wednesday morning, 11 November 2026, after a written hijack threat was discovered in an aircraft lavatory shortly before scheduled takeoff.
The incident occurred around 10:20 AM as Flight AI 772 was preparing for pushback. Cabin crew members spotted a message—reportedly scrawled with lipstick on a toilet mirror warning of a hijack—and immediately alerted the pilot and Air Traffic Control (ATC).
Emergency Security Protocols Activated
Following standard aviation security guidelines, emergency response agencies were immediately deployed across the airport perimeter:
- Isolation and Deboarding: The pilot taxied the aircraft to a remote isolation bay, where all 147 passengers were safely deboarded and escorted to the terminal.
- Multi-Agency Deployment: Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, airport security units, fire brigade personnel, and a bomb disposal squad were deployed to search the aircraft.
- Sweeping Inspection: Thorough inspections were initiated covering passenger hand luggage, checked cargo, and cabin compartments before granting flight clearance.
Investigation & CCTV Review
Law enforcement and airport security authorities have launched a formal investigation to identify the perpetrator:
- Forensic & Boarding Log Review: Police and CISF teams are examining passenger manifests and terminal CCTV footage to trace individual movements prior to boarding.
- Passenger Rescreening: All passengers are undergoing secondary security checks and questioning by investigating authorities.
- Flight Operations Clearance: Further movement for Flight AI 772 remains on hold pending full security clearance from bomb disposal units and aviation safety inspectors.