New Delhi: Indian airlines are facing a wave of bomb threats on flights, with nearly 40 incidents reported since the start of this week. Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and AI Express are among the carriers targeted, disrupting both domestic and international flights. The false alarms have led to significant delays, flight diversions, and heightened security measures, forcing airlines to push for stricter action against hoaxers.
On Thursday, Air India received threats for five of its flights, including major international routes like Mumbai-London (AI 129), Delhi-New York (AI 119), and Chennai-Singapore. IndiGo and Vistara also reported threats for two flights each, adding to the growing list of disruptions. AI Express is also believed to have received threats for six flights, although official confirmation is still awaited.
Despite the scare, all affected flights managed to land safely. Air India’s flight to London was temporarily held before landing as UK authorities were notified of the bomb threat on the flight. After investigations, the plane was cleared to land at Heathrow Airport.
Government Prepares to Counter Hoax Bomb Threats
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is now working on tougher regulations to address the growing number of bomb threats on flights. The ministry is collaborating with legal experts and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to draft new rules that would impose harsh penalties on individuals making false bomb threats.
These regulations could include adding hoax callers to a no-fly list, which would prevent them from flying for an extended period. “We are seeking legal opinion on how to tighten the existing laws, and placing such hoax callers on a no-fly list for a long duration is a strong option being considered,” said a ministry official familiar with the discussions.
IndiGo, Vistara Flights Also Targeted
In addition to Air India, both IndiGo and Vistara reported receiving bomb threats on flights. Vistara’s flights from Frankfurt to Mumbai (UK 28) and Paris to Delhi (UK 22) were affected, but both aircraft landed safely. IndiGo’s flights from Lucknow to Pune (6E 11*) and Istanbul to Mumbai (6E 18) also received hoax bomb threats but completed their journeys without incident. As a safety measure, all the planes were parked at remote bays and thoroughly checked by security teams upon landing.
Earlier this week, an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago had to divert to Canada after receiving a bomb threat on the flight. After comprehensive checks, the plane resumed its journey to Chicago on Thursday. Since Sunday, Indian airlines have been grappling with multiple hoax messages, forcing some flights to divert to international airports.
International Concern and Financial Impact
The spate of bomb threats on flights has not only raised alarms in India but also affected security protocols abroad. Singapore scrambled fighter jets twice this week in response to threats against inbound flights from Indian carriers. These incidents highlight the far-reaching consequences of false alarms, which often result in heightened security measures in other countries.
For airlines, the impact of these hoax threats has been severe, with carriers urging the government to tackle the issue swiftly. Each false alarm adds a significant financial burden due to diverted flights, increased fuel costs, and rescheduled operations. “The financial losses from these threats are mounting, and airlines are calling for urgent action,” said an industry source.
Conclusion
The increase in bomb threats on flights is causing widespread concern among Indian airlines, passengers, and authorities alike. While all flights targeted so far have landed safely, the repeated threats are leading to serious operational and financial consequences. The government’s planned regulations, if implemented, are expected to deter future hoaxers and help restore confidence in the safety of air travel.
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News Source: Times Of India