SpiceJet Flight Returns to Hyderabad Due to Technical Glitch

June 19, 2025

A SpiceJet Hyderabad-Tirupati flight returned mid-air due to a technical fault. Passengers were safely deboarded amidst a high alert at the airport. Read the full report for complete details.

Hyderabad, June 19: On Thursday, SpiceJet flight SG 2696, which had departed from Hyderabad for Tirupati, was forced to return to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) shortly after takeoff due to a technical snag. According to official statements by the airline, shortly after takeoff, the AFT baggage door light began flashing intermittently. The irregular blinking raised concerns regarding potential pressurization or latch malfunction. Pilots, exercising due diligence, decided to turn the aircraft back as a precautionary measure.

Safe Flight Landing Despite Technical Issue, All Passengers Unharmed

A SpiceJet spokesperson reported that the cabin pressure remained stable throughout the flight and no emergency situation developed. Therefore, an emergency landing was not necessary, and the aircraft was safely landed in a routine manner at Hyderabad Airport. All passengers were safely and calmly deboarded without panic. The airline also assured that an alternative aircraft was arranged to ensure passengers could continue their journey to Tirupati without extended delays. Ground support teams helped facilitate a smooth transfer.

GMR Officials Confirm Flight Incident at Hyderabad Airport

GMR, the company that operates Hyderabad Airport, confirmed the situation and said, SpiceJet SG 2696 flight had departed for Tirupati from Hyderabad, but due to technical reasons, it returned and landed safely without any disruption to airport operations.”

Bomb Threat Sent to Qatar Airways Flight, Created Panic

On June 18, a major scare occurred at Hyderabad Airport when a bomb threat email was received concerning a Qatar Airways cargo flight, QR 8650. The threat email arrived at 6:31 AM, prompting authorities to implement immediate emergency protocols. The aircraft was guided to a safe landing zone, and operations were halted temporarily to ensure complete safety.

In response, GMR confirmed that a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee was formed without delay. According to SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), a high-level search was conducted by security agencies. A detailed security sweep of the aircraft and surrounding premises was carried out. However, no suspicious item was found.

Statement by GMR on threat protocols

In an official statement, GMR said, “At 6:31 AM, a bomb threat was received for a Qatar Airways cargo flight. The aircraft was landed safely and, as per SOP, a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee was immediately constituted.”

Second bomb threat same day at Begumpet Airport

On the same day, Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad also received a bomb threat email, triggering a fresh round of security measures. Security agencies, bomb squads, and sniffer dogs were deployed to sweep the entire airport premises and surrounding areas. ACP Begumpet confirmed that an extensive investigation is ongoing and that, as of now, no explosive or suspicious object has been located. All appropriate safety measures remain in effect.

India sees surge in bomb threat incidents at airports

In recent weeks, India has witnessed an alarming rise in bomb threats, particularly aimed at civil aviation infrastructure. After the crash of Air India flight AI-171, security agencies have doubled down on surveillance, response times, and standard procedures. Many airports have intensified their safety drills, and airlines are working closely with local and national security forces to maintain air travel integrity.

Experts are now suggesting a review of threat response protocols and digital forensics to trace and deter such false alarms, which cause panic and economic disruption. Enhanced scanning technologies and artificial intelligence tools are also being considered for future deployment.

Air India plane crash: 144 डीएनए सैंपल की हुई पहचान, गुजरात के गृह ने दी जानकारी