Bomb Scare Grounds Flight, Ignites Security Protocols at Kolkata Airport

A private airline's plane was escorted to the isolation bay at Kolkata airport following a bomb scare on Tuesday afternoon, according to officials. The scare arose after a passenger alerted airline staff about the potential threat.

The suspect, a 26-year-old en route from Imphal to Mumbai via Kolkata, was detained after mentioning the bomb during a step ladder point check, considered a secondary security screening. The 179 other passengers had already boarded before the alert disrupted plans.

The flight, initially scheduled for a 1.30 pm departure, experienced delays for thorough security checks. IndiGo, the concerned airline, released a statement confirming all protocols were stringently followed, with heightened security observed nationwide amid current tensions with Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)