Bomb threats received for 30 flights, aviation security tightened: Over 120 flights targeted in 8 days
PTC Web Desk: In a concerning development, 30 flights operated by major airlines, including IndiGo, Vistara and Air India, received bomb threats late Monday night. According to sources, the targeted flights include both domestic and international routes. Over the past eight days, more than 120 flights have faced similar threats, raising concerns about aviation security.
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that four of its flights were impacted by bomb threats on Monday. The affected flights included: Flight 6E164 from Mangaluru to Mumbai, Flight 6E75 from Ahmedabad to Jeddah, Flight 6E67 from Hyderabad to Jeddah and Flight 6E118 from Lucknow to Pune.
Vistara and Air India also confirmed receiving security-related threats via social media. They informed the authorities and strictly adhered to all security protocols to ensure passenger safety.
On Monday, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu acknowledged that while the threats might be hoaxes, they could not be taken lightly. He assured the public that the government is working on stricter laws to address such threats. He said those issuing such threats could be placed on the 'No-Fly List.' Additionally, the government is considering amendments to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, to enhance security measures.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is in constant communication with the Ministry of Home Affairs on this matter, and efforts are being made to strengthen aviation safety regulations.
Four key actions by Centre
The Central Government has taken several steps in response to the increasing number of bomb threats:
Doubling number of air marshals: On October 16, the government decided to double the number of air marshals deployed on flights to enhance onboard security.
Report requested from aviation ministry: The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the aviation ministry for a detailed report on the bomb threats. The CISF, NIA, and IB have also been instructed to provide reports on the matter.
Meeting with airline CEOs: On October 19, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) held a meeting with the CEOs of all major airlines to discuss how to address the false threats, minimise passenger inconvenience, and reduce the financial impact on airlines.
DGCA chief replaced: On October 19, Vikram Dev Dutt, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), was removed from his position and reassigned to the Ministry of Coal. This change has been linked to the ongoing bomb threat incidents.
Recently, the Mumbai Police arrested a person in connection with the threats, while another minor from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, was taken into custody for allegedly issuing a bomb threat on an IndiGo flight. A passenger was detained at Kochi Airport on Monday for making a bomb threat.
The bomb threats have caused significant disruption in aviation operations. When a threat is received, flights are often diverted to the nearest airport for safety checks, leading to increased fuel consumption, extensive security inspections, and additional costs for accommodating passengers in hotels and arranging alternative flights.
According to reports, each such incident can cost airlines up to Rs 3 crore. Over 70 domestic and international flights operated by Vistara, Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Star Air, and Alliance Air have been targeted by threats in the past week alone, causing a cumulative financial loss of over Rs 200 crore.
- With inputs from agencies
