The call was received at the airlines’ office at Bengaluru airport saying there was something suspicious inside its Kolkata-bound Bagdogra plane which could harm the passengers.
179 passengers and six crew members were onboard, when the plane was cordoned off for safe landing at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
The plane was escorted to a remote bay for a thorough check by the bomb disposal squad, news agency PTI reported adding it turned out to be a hoax call as the authorities could not find any explosive material inside the plane.
"On 26.05.2019, around 1805 hrs, emergency was declared at Kolkata Airport after a threat call received at Bengaluru Airport for Air Asia I5-588 flight from Bagdogra to Kolkata. Emergency was called off at 1925 hrs. 187 passengers on board including crew members," a statement issued by the Kolkata Airport said.
"All the security checks are being carried out as per procedure. All passengers disembarked safely," it said.
By the time the Bengaluru office of Air Asia informed the officials in Bagdogra, the flight had already taken off and was about to reach Kolkata.
A huge team comprising CISF's Quick Response officers and bomb disposal personnel, doctors and fire brigade officers cordoned off the area for safe landing of the flight, the official added.
"There was nothing inside the plane. I believe it was a hoax call. All the passengers are safe and sound," PTI quoted the official as saying.