In a decisive move to combat the recent wave of hoax bomb threats plaguing Indian airlines, the Civil Aviation Minister, K Rammohan Naidu, has announced plans for stringent legislative action. The government is determined to send a strong message to perpetrators and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The Minister revealed that the government intends to introduce amendments to existing aviation security rules, including the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982. These changes aim to strengthen penalties and establish a clear legal framework to deal with such threats.
A key aspect of the proposed legislation is the introduction of a no-fly list for individuals found guilty of making hoax bomb threats. This measure seeks to deter future incidents by directly impacting the ability of perpetrators to travel by air.
“We have come to the conclusion that there are two areas that we can explore – 1) Amendment in Aircraft Security Rules…one of the ideas that we want to propagate by changing these rules is that once we catch hold of the perpetrator who is behind this, we want to put them in the no-flying list… 2) Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act…,” the Civil Aviation Minister stated.
The move comes in response to a series of disruptive events, with nearly 100 flights experiencing bomb threats over the past week. Notably, on Sunday alone, 25 flights operated by major Indian airlines received threat messages, causing significant delays and disruptions.
The threats, often communicated through anonymous accounts on social media platforms, have created a climate of anxiety and uncertainty within the aviation industry. The government’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to restoring public confidence and ensuring a safe and secure travel experience for all.
The recent surge in hoax bomb threats has highlighted the critical need for a robust legal framework to address such incidents effectively. The proposed amendments to aviation security rules and the establishment of a no-fly list are crucial steps towards deterring future threats and ensuring the safety of the aviation sector.