Hyderabad: Security has been stepped up at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad, following a bomb threat email received through IndiGo’s grievance portal.
The threat mentioned five major airports across the country, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Hyderabad.
The threat, received late on November 11, was later declared a hoax after investigations revealed no credible danger.
Threat Reported Through IndiGo Portal
According to airline and airport sources, the bomb threat message was received through IndiGo’s official grievance portal. The message made reference to possible explosives at multiple airports, prompting immediate coordination between IndiGo, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and local airport authorities.
The five airports mentioned in the email were:
• Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
• Chennai International Airport, Chennai
• Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
Following protocol, security agencies across all five airports carried out detailed checks, including terminal sweeps, passenger screening, and baggage re-verification.
Security Intensified at Hyderabad Airport
While the email did not contain any direct or specific threat to Hyderabad, officials at RGIA confirmed that preventive measures were strengthened as a precaution.
RGIA police official, N. Sridhar said, “For the past three days, we have been regularly conducting checks at the airport. After being informed of this bomb threat, we have intensified them a little.”
The CISF, which handles airport security, has reportedly increased random baggage screenings, access control checks, and perimeter patrols. Surveillance through CCTV systems has also been scaled up.
“Our security teams are on alert. Though the threat was declared a hoax, we are taking no chances,” CISF official Deepak Varma added.
No Case Registered at RGIA
Officials from the Hyderabad Airport Police stated that no case has been formally registered under this incident since the threat was not directly addressed to RGIA. However, communication between state police, CISF, and airport intelligence units remains active.
Another official said, “We received an alert about the threat from the central control room, but since there was no direct message or suspicious activity specific to Hyderabad, we are treating this as part of a larger coordinated precautionary exercise.”
Coordination Between Security Agencies
The coordinated response involved anti-sabotage checks, enhanced passenger frisking, and restricted visitor access in sensitive zones of the airport. Similar actions were observed at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Airport authorities confirmed that flight operations at RGIA continued without disruption, though travellers were advised to arrive early to allow additional time for screening.
Past Incidents
This is not the first time Hyderabad airport has been mentioned in a hoax threat. Earlier in the year, a similar false alert linked to “Operation Polo” had prompted anti-sabotage drills.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to maintaining passenger safety. “Every alert, genuine or not, is treated with full seriousness. Our teams are trained to act immediately and methodically in such situations,” the CISF official said.
Advisory for Passengers
Travellers have been advised to:
• Arrive well in advance of departure times.
• Cooperate with additional security checks.
• Avoid carrying restricted or suspicious items in hand baggage.
• Report any unattended luggage or suspicious behaviour to authorities immediately.
Status Update
As of Thursday morning, no explosive material or credible threat has been found at any of the five airports mentioned in the email. Security operations continue under heightened alert, and agencies are tracing the source of the email that triggered the nationwide response.
