Bomb threats to Indian flights: In an alarming 24-hour period, eleven flights across India were targeted with bomb threats, causing widespread disruptions and heightened security measures.
A Vistara flight from Delhi to London (UK17) was diverted to Frankfurt, Germany, after a bomb threat, while a Jaipur-Dubai Air India Express flight (IX 196) was also threatened but later cleared as a hoax. Additionally, five Akasa Air and five IndiGo flights received similar threats, adding to the unprecedented security scare.
Bomb Threats Force Flight Disruptions
The bomb scare for the Jaipur-Dubai Air India Express flight caused a delay in its departure. The flight, initially scheduled to leave at 6:10 am, took off at 7:45 am after security clearance. Meanwhile, Vistara’s flight to London, which was diverted to Frankfurt, eventually resumed its journey later that day.
“Vistara flight UK17 operating from Delhi to London on October 18, 2024, received a security threat on social media. In line with protocol, all relevant authorities were immediately informed, and as a precautionary measure, the pilots decided to divert the flight to Frankfurt,” a Vistara spokesperson confirmed.
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Akasa Air Affected by Multiple Threats
Akasa Air also reported security alerts on five of its flights on October 19, 2024. In one case, a flight from Bengaluru to Mumbai (QP 1366) received a bomb threat shortly before departure. “Passengers were deplaned, and local authorities followed necessary procedures. The plane was thoroughly checked, and no objectionable items were found,” the airline said in a statement. After hours of delay, the flight was cleared and resumed its journey.
Spike in Threats Since Monday
Since Monday, at least 50 flights have received bomb threats, leading to tighter security protocols across Indian airports. The civil aviation ministry, along with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has implemented stricter measures to manage the situation, including plans to place hoax callers on a no-fly list for up to five years.
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Sources have indicated that the airlines are pushing for financial penalties on those making false threats, to recover the significant losses incurred due to these hoaxes.
Investigations and Ministerial Response
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the issue, stating that most threats were traced back to minors and pranksters, with no evidence of a larger conspiracy. “We can’t comment on a conspiracy, but whatever little we have known, it is coming from minors or pranksters… There is no kind of conspiracy we can comment on,” he said.
In one incident, a 17-year-old boy was detained by Mumbai Police for issuing bomb threats to four flights on Monday, allegedly over a personal dispute.
The Civil Aviation Ministry is now considering rule changes to prevent such incidents in the future. “We are taking steps to create a strict barrier for individuals trying to pull off such pranks. Changes in legislation are being pursued,” Naidu added.
Escalating Tensions and Future Measures
The surge in bomb threats has sparked concerns across the civil aviation sector, with authorities working to tighten security and prevent further incidents. As investigations continue, airlines and the government are coordinating to ensure passenger safety and minimize disruptions in air travel.
