In response to an alarming wave of bomb threats targeting Indian airlines—totaling 70 over just six days—the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) convened a crucial meeting with airline CEOs in New Delhi on Saturday. The meeting took place at the civil aviation ministry’s office in Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan.
Officials emphasized the necessity for airlines to adhere to the established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for managing these threats, which have been causing significant disruptions for passengers and financial losses for airlines. The CEOs were also urged to keep all stakeholders updated about the threats and the subsequent actions being taken.
On Saturday alone, over 30 bomb threats were reported against various flights. Investigations revealed that some threats originated from IP addresses in locations such as London, Germany, Canada, and the US. Authorities did not dismiss the possibility that VPNs (virtual private networks) were used to obscure the true locations of the individuals behind these threats.
The BCAS, alongside the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is expected to issue new guidelines for airlines to better handle bomb threats. The recent spate of hoaxes and threats, primarily disseminated through social media, began on Monday and has led to numerous flight diversions and delays.
Notably, Vistara reported that five of its international flights received security threats via social media, while at least four IndiGo flights were also alerted. Other airlines affected included Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Star Air, and Alliance Air. In response to security alerts, Akasa Air stated, “Some of our flights operating on October 19, 2024, have received security alerts today. As per safety and security procedures, all passengers had to be deplaned while local authorities followed necessary protocols. We appreciate your understanding as our team worked diligently to minimize inconvenience.”
A 17-year-old boy was apprehended by Mumbai Police on Wednesday for allegedly issuing threats to four flights, intending to frame a friend over a monetary dispute. Over a dozen first information reports (FIRs) have been filed by both Mumbai and Delhi Police concerning these threats.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu commented on Thursday that preliminary investigations do not indicate a larger conspiracy. He noted that most threats appear to have originated from minors or pranksters. “For very trivial matters, they are resorting to threats on social media or through phone calls. These are isolated incidents; we cannot suggest a conspiracy at this time,” he stated.
The Minister assured that measures are being implemented to establish a strict deterrent against such pranks and confirmed ongoing discussions between the civil aviation ministry, airlines, and security agencies.
