Air India flight issues hijack alert moments before take-off at Kolkata airport

NEW DELHI, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- An Air India flight from Kolkata to Mumbai was moved to isolation on Wednesday after a note threatening to hijack the aircraft was found on the mirror of one of its lavatories moments before its scheduled take-off, and all passengers were deplaned, an official at the airport said.

The incident triggered panic at the airport in Kolkata city, the capital of the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.

According to the official, police and security agencies have initiated an investigation to identify who scribbled the threatening message.

"Security protocols are being followed, and security teams are currently reviewing the footage from closed-circuit television cameras installed inside the aircraft and within the airport premises," the official added.

The security agencies are also thoroughly examining the aircraft to detect the presence of any suspicious objects.