IndiGo Flight 6E 1468 Diverted to Bengaluru After Bomb Hoax and Adverse Weather Delays Arrival in Mangaluru – Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on October 19, 2025

On October 19, 2025, passengers on an IndiGo flight from Dubai to Mangaluru encountered a series of disruptions, including a bomb threat and adverse weather, which led to an unplanned diversion to Bengaluru. The incident unfolded with a bomb hoax discovered before departure at Dubai International Airport and further complicated by bad weather conditions at the intended destination. The situation left 169 passengers stranded at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for several hours.

Bomb Threat Causes Flight Delays in Dubai

Flight 6E 1468, an Airbus A320, was scheduled to depart Dubai at 11:25 AM local time but faced a significant delay due to a bomb threat found aboard the aircraft. Airport staff discovered a note in the toilet of the plane with the words “Bomb on board.” As a precaution, extensive security checks were carried out, including a thorough inspection of the aircraft, before the threat was determined to be a hoax. The check caused a delay of over two hours, and the flight finally took off at 1:53 PM.

Weather Issues Lead to Diverted Landing

After taking off, the flight was en route to Mangaluru, scheduled to land at 6:42 PM, but encountered severe weather conditions in the region. With visibility compromised, the Mangaluru airport could not permit the plane to land. The crew followed protocol and decided to divert the flight to Bengaluru, where the weather was more favorable.

Upon arrival at Kempegowda International Airport around 7:23 PM, the aircraft was immediately directed to an isolation bay as a safety precaution due to the earlier bomb threat. The pilot had reported the incident to Air Traffic Control (ATC) during the flight, which led to a temporary emergency declaration at the airport.

Security Checks and Hoax Confirmation

Following the plane’s safe landing, the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee convened to assess the situation. After a quick assessment, it was confirmed that the bomb threat was non-specific and not credible. However, as a precaution, additional checks were conducted, including the use of sniffer dogs and another round of intensive security screening by the Central Industrial Security Force. The authorities confirmed the threat was indeed a hoax, and no danger was present.

Passenger Delays and Options

With the situation under control, passengers were deboarded and given the option to either wait for another flight to Mangaluru, take a full refund, or choose a different flight. However, by the time the aircraft was cleared, it was too late for a departure that evening, and the flight remained on the ground in Bengaluru at 10:40 PM. The passengers were provided with refreshments as they waited for further arrangements.

Travel Tips for Passengers Facing Unforeseen Delays

This incident serves as a reminder to travelers about the possibility of unforeseen disruptions, such as security threats and weather delays. In such cases, here are some useful tips for navigating the situation:

1. Stay Calm and Follow Airport Instructions: When dealing with a delay or emergency, it’s essential to stay calm and follow the instructions of the flight crew and airport authorities.
2. Know Your Rights: Passengers are entitled to certain compensations during long delays. Always check with the airline about your options for food, lodging, and refunds.
3. Prepare for Unexpected Diversions: While diversions are not common, it’s helpful to stay updated on weather conditions and possible delays if you are traveling to destinations with unstable weather patterns.
4. Secure Your Belongings: Always keep your personal items, like valuables and documents, close to you when offboarding during a security-related situation.

What’s Next for the Passengers?

Once the security checks were completed and the aircraft cleared, it was expected that the flight would eventually continue to Mangaluru. As of the latest update, passengers were waiting for a rescheduled departure, though the airline’s response to the incident suggests they prioritized passenger safety and comfort, ensuring passengers had sufficient time to make an informed decision about their travel options.

Related Travel Considerations:

While air travel remains one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get from one place to another, passengers should always be aware of the security procedures in place at airports and aboard flights. It’s important to adhere to security protocols, especially in the wake of incidents like the one on IndiGo Flight 6E 1468. In addition, unpredictable weather conditions should also be taken into account when traveling to locations known for monsoon seasons or storm-prone areas like Mangaluru.

For tourists planning a visit to India, destinations like Bengaluru and Mangaluru remain accessible by air, though travelers should be prepared for potential delays during high-traffic travel seasons. It’s always advisable to check flight statuses regularly, stay informed about weather forecasts, and have an alternative plan in place for emergencies.