Canadian detained after bomb scare on Varanasi-Bengaluru IndiGo flight

Panic broke out at Varanasi airport after a foreign national aboard a Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight claimed he was carrying a bomb, police said on Sunday.

The incident took place on Saturday night, police said, adding that the passenger, a Canadian, has been detained.

Security sleuths are questioning the man, officials said.

Following the bomb scare, the aircraft was moved to the isolation bay for a thorough inspection, but no explosive material was found, said Puneet Gupta, Director of the airport. 

Gupta said the IndiGo crew promptly informed the Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the threat after the passenger's claim.

The flight was grounded and inspected as per standard security protocols. After receiving clearance from security agencies, the aircraft departed for Bengaluru on Sunday morning, officials said.

"Flight 6E 499 operating from Varanasi to Bengaluru on April 26 was delayed due a bomb threat received before takeoff. As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolation bay, passengers were safely disembarked and all standard operating procedures were followed," IndiGo said in a statement.

"We deeply appreciate the patience, understanding, and cooperation of our customers," it said.

A detailed probe is on in the matter.