Goa airports on high alert following bomb threats; several other flights also affected
PTC Web Desk: In a troubling turn of events, several Air India flights were reported to have received security threats via social media on Thursday. An official statement from Air India confirmed the threats, stating that the authorities were immediately alerted, and all security protocols were strictly followed as per regulatory guidance.
Meanwhile, Goa International Airport (Dabolim) and Manohar International Airport were placed on high alert after four aircraft bound for these airports were reported to have received bomb threats. To ensure a thorough assessment of the situation, the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) has been established at both airports.
This incident is part of a larger trend, as over 70 flights from various Indian airlines have faced bomb threats in recent days, with nearly 250 flights having received such threats in the last 11 days. Major airlines, including Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, and Akasa Air have all been impacted.
An Akasa Air spokesperson confirmed that their emergency response teams were closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local security and regulatory authorities to ensure safety.
In total, more than 70 flights operated by various Indian airlines received bomb threats on Thursday, according to sources. Around 20 flights each from Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo were reported to have received threats, while Akasa Air faced threats affecting approximately 14 of its flights. In just 11 days, nearly 250 flights from Indian carriers have encountered similar bomb threats.
Earlier this week, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced plans for legislative actions to address bomb threats against airlines, including measures to place perpetrators on a no-fly list, underlining the government's commitment to enhancing passenger safety in the aviation sector.
- With inputs from agencies
