A wave of bomb threats has shaken India’s aviation sector, causing significant disruption and raising serious concerns about security. In recent days, a string of flights operated by major Indian carriers have received bomb threats via email or social media, leading to diversions and delays. While these threats have thankfully proven to be hoaxes, they have highlighted vulnerabilities in the system and sparked swift action from authorities.
One such incident occurred on Friday when an Air India Express flight from Dubai to Jaipur received a bomb threat. The flight, carrying 189 passengers, landed safely at Jaipur International Airport after a thorough security check revealed no suspicious items. Earlier that same day, a Vistara flight from Delhi to London was diverted to Frankfurt due to a similar threat. The flight eventually resumed its journey to London after receiving clearance from security agencies.
The scale of these threats is alarming. In just the past four days, at least 26 hoax bomb threats have targeted major airlines in India. These threats have not only caused disruption and delays but also resulted in financial losses for airlines and immense inconvenience for passengers.
In response to this growing crisis, the Indian government is taking a hard line against perpetrators. The Civil Aviation Ministry is set to implement strict measures to deter future incidents, including placing offenders on a no-fly list. A senior official from the Ministry of Civil Aviation has stated that a committee will be formed in consultation with the law ministry and Ministry of Home Affairs to prepare a draft amendment to the Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules, 1937, to ensure a 5-year imprisonment for those convicted of making false bomb threats. These proposed measures signal a clear commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and sending a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has acknowledged the concern surrounding these incidents, attributing many of the threats to minors and pranksters. He has emphasized that the government is taking a comprehensive approach, working closely with airlines and security agencies to address the issue. The government’s commitment to addressing this alarming trend is evident in the swift implementation of these measures, which aim to ensure the safety and security of passengers and maintain public confidence in India’s aviation industry.