A passenger bound for Mumbai was detained at Cochin International Airport on Monday after allegedly making a verbal bomb threat, adding to the mounting concerns about the recent surge in hoax bomb threats plaguing Indian airlines. The passenger, identified as Vijay Mandhayan, made a casual comment claiming to be carrying a “live bomb,” triggering a security protocol response at the airport.
Authorities swiftly responded to the threat, initiating a thorough security check of the passenger and his baggage. While nothing suspicious was found, the incident led to a delay for the Vistara flight, which was scheduled to depart in the afternoon. The flight eventually took off at 4:19 pm after the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) declared the situation non-specific.
This incident follows a worrying trend of bomb threats targeting flights across India. In the past week alone, over 100 flights have received such threats, creating widespread anxiety and causing significant disruption to air travel. The sheer number of threats has raised concerns about the effectiveness of airport security measures and the potential vulnerabilities of the aviation sector.
In response to this growing crisis, India’s Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has assured the public that the government is taking decisive steps to address the situation. He has emphasized the need to balance the safety and security of passengers with ensuring smooth air travel operations.
The Minister has also outlined the government’s plans to introduce stringent legislative measures to deter such acts. Amendments to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act (SUASCA), 1982, are being proposed, which could allow authorities to arrest individuals responsible for bomb threats without a court order and initiate immediate investigations.
The proposed amendments are intended to serve as a strong deterrent against individuals who engage in such acts, which are not only disruptive but also potentially life-threatening. While the investigation into the latest incident at Cochin Airport is ongoing, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the aviation industry to such threats. As authorities work to address this growing problem, the need for enhanced security measures and swift legal action against perpetrators has become increasingly evident.