994 hoax bomb threats target airlines in 2024; IndiGo reports highest incidents
Hoax bomb threats: India has witnessed a surge in hoax bomb threats targeting domestic airlines, with 994 such incidents reported between January and mid-November 2024, according to government data. This sharp rise, compared to 122 threats in 2023 and 27 between August and December 2022, was revealed during parliamentary responses by Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol.
Minister Mohol highlighted that these hoax threats have originated from random locations without any specific geographic concentration. He acknowledged that such threats adversely impact flight operations, causing disruptions and delays.
Addressing another query, Mohol detailed the steps taken by aviation authorities to handle these incidents. He noted that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented robust protocols, including a Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP), to address such situations. Every airport is equipped with a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) to evaluate and respond to potential threats effectively.
IndiGo worst affected
October 2024 alone accounted for 680 hoax bomb calls, with IndiGo receiving the highest number (197). Other airlines affected include Air India (191), Vistara (151), Akasa Air (67), and SpiceJet (29).
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu informed Parliament that the government is considering amending the Aircraft Act, 1934, to address hoax threats more effectively. While there are currently no specific laws to prevent such incidents, Naidu referenced Section 3(1)(d) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, which prescribes life imprisonment and fines for individuals who knowingly communicate false information endangering flight safety.
- With inputs from agencies
