Amid a surge in hoax bomb threats affecting Indian airlines, the chief of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Zulfiqar Hasan, has reassured passengers that India’s skies remain “absolutely safe.” This statement comes after nearly 70 flights operated by Indian carriers have been subjected to bomb threats in recent days, sparking security concerns.
Hasan’s comments followed a meeting in Delhi on Saturday with airline representatives, where they discussed the security challenges posed by the hoax threats and the potential impact on airport operations during the ongoing festive season. During the meeting, airline officials expressed concerns about security protocols and the possible strain on airport infrastructure due to increased screening measures.
Hasan urged airlines to adhere strictly to safety guidelines and emphasized that robust protocols are already in place to handle such situations. “Indian skies are absolutely safe. The current protocol is being strictly followed, and we reassure passengers that they should fly without any fear,” he told ANI. He also encouraged passengers to continue flying, stating that safety measures remain strong.
Nearly 70 Flights Affected
In the past few days, almost 70 flights operated by Indian carriers have been disrupted due to hoax bomb threats, causing several flights to be diverted and many others to undergo full passenger re-screenings. These threats have caused significant delays and inconvenience for passengers, along with financial losses for the airlines, with estimates reaching crores of rupees.
Civil aviation minister K. Rammohan Naidu also addressed the situation earlier this week, assuring that law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the bomb threats. The Union government is considering an increased deployment of air marshals on flights and is examining the possibility of a “pattern” in the warnings.
Despite the disruption and concern, authorities are working with various agencies to identify the source of the threats and ensure that passenger safety is maintained without disruption to travel plans. The BCAS and other agencies continue to investigate the situation, and officials remain confident in the security measures currently in place.
Sources By Agencies
