Indian airlines have reported a concerning spike in hoax bomb threats, with over 1,000 such calls recorded this year, severely impacting operations. According to government data, IndiGo emerged as the worst-hit carrier, receiving 197 threats in October alone, followed by Air India (191) and Vistara (151). This alarming trend has caused flight delays, disrupted schedules, and heightened passenger anxiety.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, addressing Parliament, revealed that hoax bomb threats have significantly increased, with 994 incidents reported from January to mid-November 2024, compared to 122 in 2023. He stated, “The threats emanate from random locations, targeting various flights and stations across the country.”
Airlines have adopted stringent security measures to manage these threats. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented the Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP), which involves a designated Bomb Threat Assessment Committee at each airport to evaluate and respond to such incidents. Authorities have issued advisories to stakeholders to strengthen security protocols and prevent unlawful interference in aviation. They recently blocked a threatening handle on platform X (formerly Twitter), responding to the rising frequency of hoax threats linked to social media. A spokesperson from Akasa Air noted that six of their flights had received such threats, stating, “Our Emergency Response teams have been in constant touch with regulatory authorities.”
In response to this crisis, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced plans to amend the Aircraft Act, 1934, and the Security Rules of 2023. The proposed changes aim to impose stricter penalties on those making false threats, including life imprisonment and substantial fines, under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982.
While the government intensifies efforts to mitigate these threats, their impact on passenger confidence and operational efficiency remains a pressing concern.
