NEW DELHI: The Indian government is taking serious measures to address the surge in bomb threats targeting airlines, according to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. In a recent statement, Naidu revealed that the government is working on amendments to aviation security laws to implement stricter norms against such threats. These include the possibility of placing individuals responsible for bomb threats on a no-fly list and enforcing heavier penalties.
In the past week alone, over 25 flights, including international ones, have been affected by bomb threats, leading to disruptions and emergency diversions. Authorities have confirmed that most of these threats turned out to be hoaxes. The Minister expressed deep concern, stating that such incidents not only compromise passenger safety but also strain airline operations and law enforcement resources.
Naidu mentioned that a high-level committee, comprising officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and other key agencies, has been set up to assess and respond to these threats. The committee will explore legislative changes under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, to strengthen the security framework.
The government’s approach includes enhancing digital monitoring systems to detect and respond to threats communicated via social media, where most recent cases were reported. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the incidents, and arrests have been made, including the detention of a minor involved in several hoax threats in Mumbai.
By tightening security measures and legislative frameworks, the government aims to ensure the safety of passengers and the integrity of India’s aviation sector. (Input from Agencies)
