An Air India Express flight from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to New Delhi was diverted to Ahmedabad on Monday after a crew member discovered a paper bearing the word "BOMB" in the aircraft washroom.
The flight, carrying 32 passengers and eight crew members, landed safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 4.25 pm and was moved to the isolation bay for checks.
Passengers were evacuated to Terminal 2 under security supervision as the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, fire tenders and senior police officials rushed to the spot. A meticulous search of the aircraft, baggage and cargo was carried out, but no suspicious object was found.
Airport sources said the pilot alerted Ahmedabad ATC after the note was found, following which the diversion was ordered. Security agencies have launched a probe to identify who placed the note and whether it was a genuine threat or a hoax.
Officials said security at the airport has been further tightened in the wake of the incident.