Over 100 flights operated by Indian airlines received bomb threats on Tuesday, raising concerns about aviation security and prompting authorities to enforce heightened safety protocols. In a surge of hoax threats affecting both domestic and international routes, over 510 flights have faced similar threats over the last 16 days, largely originating from social media, according to Mumbai Police.
Mumbai Police reported that in October alone, 14 cases related to bomb threats against airlines have been registered. On Monday, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara were among the carriers that received threats via their social media accounts, which were later confirmed as hoaxes. Air India reported bomb threats to around 36 flights, while IndiGo and Vistara reported threats to 35 and 32 flights, respectively.
The airlines alerted relevant authorities and followed established safety protocols. “All security procedures were strictly adhered to, as per guidance from the regulatory authorities,” stated an airline spokesperson, as reported by PTI.
In response to these incidents, the IT Ministry has ordered social media platforms to take swift action in removing or restricting access to misinformation that could threaten public safety. Civil aviation minister K. Rammohan Naidu confirmed that the government is considering new legislative measures aimed at curbing hoax bomb threats, including a potential no-fly rule for individuals who issue such threats.
On Saturday, a man was arrested in Delhi for allegedly sending bomb threats to airlines. The suspect, a 25-year-old resident of Uttam Nagar, reportedly made two bomb threat posts directed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Police immediately registered a case under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation (SUA-SCA) Act, as well as sections of criminal intimidation under the BNS.
Sources By Agencies
