Indian Airlines faced 994 hoax bomb threats in 2024: Aviation Minister in Parliament
In 2024, India's airlines received a shocking 994 hoax bomb threat calls, according to Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol.
PTC News Desk: In 2024, India's airlines received a shocking 994 hoax bomb threat calls, according to Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol. Responding to MP Kartikeya Sharma's question about hoax bomb threats reported by airlines, the minister stated that 1,143 such threats were recorded between August 2022 and November 13, 2024.
Breaking down the data, the minister stated, "As many as 27 hoax bomb threat calls were received between August and December 2022. The number increased to 122 in 2023, while the current year alone witnessed a sharp rise, with 994 calls reported as of mid-November 2024”.
"These threats are received randomly and are not concentrated in any specific location."
The minister highlighted the processes in place to resolve such occurrences, stating that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the aviation security regulator, has adopted rigorous protocols under its Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP).
“As part of the BTCP, every airport has a designated Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) tasked with evaluating and addressing the threats. Hoax bomb calls disrupt flight operations, affecting airlines, airports, and other stakeholders.”
The BCAS has additionally issued advisories to help streamline security measures and avoid unlawful interference with civil aviation. "These measures aim to ensure passenger safety while minimizing operational disruptions caused by such malicious activities," the minister said.