Multiple Indian airlines have been targeted by several bomb threats, resulting in widespread diversions and heightened security measures. In the past five days, over 70 threats have been reported, all of which were ultimately deemed hoaxes. However, these incidents have raised significant concerns about safety and security in the aviation sector.
In the last 24 hours, over 20 bomb threats have been directed at flights operated by major Indian carriers, including IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India Express. While these threats have caused panic among crew members, no actual explosives have been discovered.
On Friday, Vistara flight UK17, traveling from Delhi to London, was diverted to Frankfurt due to a bomb threat received via social media. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely at Frankfurt Airport, where security teams conducted a thorough inspection.
Once cleared, the flight resumed its journey and safely landed in London later that evening.
On Saturday, two other Vistara flights—one bound for Paris and the other for Hong Kong—also received bomb threats but landed without incident.
Once cleared, the flight resumed its journey and successfully landed in London later that evening.
On Saturday, two additional Vistara flights—one en route to Paris and the other to Hong Kong—also received bomb threats but managed to land safely without any incidents. These occurrences highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the aviation industry regarding security threats. Despite the unfounded nature of these threats, the protocols in place for diversion and thorough inspections are crucial in maintaining passenger safety and operational integrity.
It’s essential for airlines to remain vigilant and adaptive, continually updating their security measures in response to evolving threats in the aviation landscape. The swift responses of the airline crews and security teams demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety and confidence of travelers during these turbulent times.
Meanwhile, five IndiGo Airlines flights received similar threats, prompting the implementation of emergency procedures while some were still in the air. Three flights landed safely, including 6E 17 from Mumbai to Istanbul and 6E 184 from Jodhpur to Delhi, where passengers disembarked without any incidents.
Akasa Air also reported bomb threats on several of its flights operating on October 19. The airline’s emergency response teams are collaborating closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Akasa has reassured travelers that all security protocols are being followed, and ground teams are prepared to manage any developments that may arise.
On Wednesday, Mumbai Police detained a 17-year-old boy for issuing bomb threats to four flights, allegedly to frame a friend following a personal dispute. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has confirmed that stricter regulations are being put in place to address the ongoing crisis.
“We want rules that can act as a deterrent…we want to set an example so that no one thinks of committing such mischievous acts,” said the MoCA official.
“We are looking at what we can do at our end in terms of civil aviation regulations…our legal team is working on it and we are in touch with the law ministry as well. We are also talking to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) as internal security is under their purview. They are also looking at the cybersecurity part,” the MoCA official said.
