Airlines across India have faced a flurry of bomb threats, with 11 flights receiving such warnings in less than 24 hours. Since Monday, the situation has escalated, with over 50 hoax calls targeting airlines, prompting the civil aviation ministry and authorities to implement stricter protocols for managing these incidents.
One of the major scares involved a Vistara flight bound for London from Delhi (UK17), which was diverted to Frankfurt, Germany, following a bomb threat received on social media. Meanwhile, an Air India Express flight from Jaipur to Dubai (IX 196) was delayed after a fake bomb threat, and five flights from Akasa Air and IndiGo also received similar threats.
The bomb threat to the Jaipur-Dubai Air India Express flight caused delays in subsequent operations, with flight IX 195, originally scheduled to take off at 6:10 am, departing at 7:45 am. The flight is now en route to its destination. The Vistara flight, after being thoroughly checked in Frankfurt, resumed its journey to London.
“Vistara flight UK17 received a security threat on social media on October 18, 2024. As per protocol, the relevant authorities were informed, and the flight was diverted to Frankfurt as a precautionary measure,” a Vistara spokesperson confirmed.
Akasa Air also faced similar security scares, with several of its flights receiving alerts on October 19, 2024. Passengers on these flights were deplaned while local authorities conducted checks. One of Akasa Air’s Bengaluru to Mumbai flights, QP 1366, received a bomb threat just before departure. However, after thorough security checks at Mumbai airport, no suspicious items were found, and the flight eventually departed with several hours of delay.
In response to the surge in threats, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suggested several measures, including placing hoax callers on a no-fly list for five years. Airlines are also seeking compensation from the culprits to cover the financial losses incurred from these disruptions.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the situation, noting that initial investigations do not suggest a conspiracy. “Most of these threats have been made by minors or pranksters. There is no indication of a larger plot at this time,” Mr. Naidu said. He also highlighted the case of a 17-year-old boy who was taken into custody by Mumbai Police for issuing threats to four flights on Monday. The teenager allegedly made the threats to settle a personal dispute with a friend over money.
Mr. Naidu further stated that the civil aviation ministry is considering changes to rules and legislation to prevent future hoax bomb calls. “We are working to create strict barriers against such pranks and are exploring legal reforms to deter this behavior,” he added.
With airlines on high alert and stricter measures being put in place, authorities are aiming to curb the rise in false bomb threats that have disrupted air travel across the country this week.
Sources By Agencies
