One hundred flights in India have faced hoax bomb threats, resulting in delays and diversions, affecting airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air.
Incidents included an Air India Express flight being escorted by Singapore’s Air Force and another Air India plane being diverted to Canada due to bomb threat concerns.
The threats primarily targeted Indian airlines, with a notable number also affecting international carriers and involving flights to destinations like the United States.
Indian aviation authorities are exploring measures such as placing offenders on a no-fly list, emphasizing the importance of safety and security in air travel.
A teenager has been detained in connection with threats made via social media, with investigations ongoing as authorities look to identify and take legal action against those responsible.
The response to these threats is extensive, involving security assessments, passenger screening, and potential international agency involvement, all of which lead to considerable financial costs and operational disruptions for airlines.
India’s aviation minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu shared “safety and security is the foremost aspect. Authorities are considering putting perpetrators on a no-fly list. Even (if) one plane gets diverted, it’s not what we want.”
