Over the past week, Indian aviation has faced a turbulent situation, with nearly 100 fake bomb threats disrupting flights and causing significant anxiety among passengers and crew. The most recent wave of threats began on October 14, 2024, when 19 flights received bomb threats within just three days. These incidents have led to multiple diversions, delays, and a comprehensive investigation by authorities.
19 Threats in 72 Hours
The alarming frequency of threats commenced on Monday, October 14, when Air India’s Mumbai-New York flight, along with IndiGo flights to Jeddah and Muscat, received specific security alerts. Air India flight AI-119 was diverted to Delhi, and passengers were relocated to hotels while the flight was rescheduled. The situation escalated with seven more flights targeted on Tuesday, including those operated by SpiceJet and Akasa Air. One notable threat claimed there were explosives on board an Air India Express flight, which prompted immediate security protocols.
By Wednesday, the turmoil continued, impacting additional flights, including a Mumbai-bound Vistara flight arriving from Frankfurt, which made an emergency landing due to a bomb threat.
Authorities tracked the source of these threats to a single social media account, which has since been suspended. A disturbing message claimed, “The bombs will go off very soon. Blood will spread everywhere. Hurry up and evacuate, you don’t have much time left.”
Heavy Cost of Bomb Threats
The ramifications of these hoax threats are severe, not only psychologically damaging to passengers but also economically burdensome for airlines. Each incident triggers a complex response involving pilots notifying air traffic controllers, leading to the mobilization of security personnel and bomb disposal squads. This rigorous protocol results in significant delays, impacting up to 1,200 passengers per affected flight, and often leads to airlines incurring substantial costs related to accommodations, refreshments, and compensation for disrupted travelers.
Authorities Step Up Investigations
In response to the recent threats, the Civil Aviation Minister, K Rammohan Naidu, emphasized that law enforcement agencies are rigorously pursuing all leads. The government is also contemplating stricter punishments for perpetrators, including placing them on no-fly lists.
Legislative Action to Curb Fake Bomb Threats
Recognizing the urgent need for stronger legal measures, the Indian government is considering amendments to existing laws governing aviation security. This includes revising the Aircraft Security Rules to ban individuals who issue hoax threats from boarding flights, and expanding the scope of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation (SUASCA) Act to cover threats even when aircraft are grounded.
Currently, hoax bomb threats are handled under general criminal laws, which do not specifically address aviation-related incidents. The proposed changes aim to impose harsher penalties, including substantial fines and possible jail time for offenders.
Arrest of a Minor
Investigators have apprehended a 17-year-old boy from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, believed to be responsible for several threats. Allegedly motivated by a personal dispute with a friend over financial matters, the minor created a fake account to post the bomb threats, attempting to frame the other party. He is currently in custody, while investigations into the origin of other threats continue, with authorities remaining tight-lipped about potential international connections.
Conclusion
As India grapples with this unprecedented surge in hoax bomb threats, the pressure on aviation security has intensified. While the government is taking steps to tighten regulations and enhance security protocols, the challenge of mitigating such threats remains a significant concern for both officials and passengers alike.
