Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport received a bomb threat email on Thursday, October 8, claiming that an explosive had been planted on the premises. Following the alert, airport authorities and security agencies began thorough checks as part of established security protocols.
The threat was being assessed at the time of reporting, and there was no official confirmation that any explosive had been found. The airport has received similar threats in the past, several of which were subsequently found to be hoaxes. Authorities are continuing to verify the latest email while maintaining heightened security across the airport.
Security Protocol Activated
The threat email prompted security personnel to carry out checks across the airport premises to determine whether there was any genuine security risk. Officials initiated the exercise immediately after receiving the message, following the procedures prescribed for bomb threats at airports.
Details about the sender of the email, including their identity or motive, were not immediately available. Authorities were also yet to publicly disclose whether the message identified a particular location within the airport or contained any specific information about the alleged explosive.
Security checks at airports are designed to ensure that even unverified threats are treated seriously until they can be assessed. The exercise can involve inspecting sensitive areas and coordinating among the agencies responsible for airport security. At the time of reporting, authorities had not announced the discovery of any explosive device or confirmed that the threat was genuine.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which operates Kolkata airport, lists Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport as one of its facilities and provides dedicated airport management and operational contacts for security and passenger-related matters.
Earlier Threats Were Hoaxes
Thursday’s incident is not the first time Kolkata airport has faced a bomb-related scare. According to reports, the airport has received several similar threat emails previously, with earlier cases ultimately being determined to be hoaxes after security agencies completed their checks.
The repeated nature of such threats highlights the difficult balance faced by airport authorities. Every threat has to be taken seriously because dismissing a genuine warning could have severe consequences. At the same time, repeated false alarms can disrupt airport operations, divert security resources and create anxiety among passengers and staff.
A similar security scare was reported at Kolkata airport in February 2026, when a suspicious note was found during the boarding of an IndiGo flight bound for Shillong. Passengers were deboarded and the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay while standard security procedures were followed. The aircraft was subsequently cleared after checks and the flight departed safely. On the same day, another security alert involving an IndiGo flight arriving from Dibrugarh was also reported; that aircraft was similarly moved for security checks.
There have also been other instances in which suspected bomb-related claims at the airport were found to be false. In November 2024, for example, a passenger raised an alarm over a bag and claimed that a bomb could be inside it. The Airports Authority of India later said the claim was a hoax, and the passenger was detained by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for providing false information.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Bomb threats, even when ultimately found to be false, can cause fear among passengers and place considerable pressure on security personnel who must respond immediately. The priority should therefore remain public safety, calm communication and a thorough investigation rather than speculation or panic. At the same time, repeated hoax threats should not be normalised, as they can consume valuable security resources and unnecessarily disturb thousands of people.
Authorities must identify those responsible wherever possible and ensure that appropriate action follows, while passengers and the public should rely on verified information rather than rumours circulating online. In situations like these, how can authorities and citizens work together to ensure both safety and calm without allowing fear to take over?
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