The issue of numerous hoax threat messages sent to various airlines, causing significant flight disruptions in India, was discussed during a parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday. 

Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam informed committee members that the authorities are identifying the suspects behind these threats and taking appropriate action. During the session of the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, chaired by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, Vualnam noted that investigators have collected information and are actively managing the situation. He also mentioned that other similar hoax cases are under investigation. However, due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing inquiries, Vualnam did not disclose further details.

Jha expressed concerns over the increasing number of hoax threat calls, which have led to several flight diversions, including one to Chicago. At least ten flights have been affected by these bomb threat messages, primarily spread through social media platforms. The false alarms have caused significant operational disruptions, forcing airlines to divert or delay flights as a precaution.

Additionally, on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs requested a report from the Ministry of Civil Aviation regarding the recent bomb threats directed at various airlines across the country. A senior official confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Bureau of Civil Aviation, National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Intelligence Bureau (IB) to compile and submit a report on the recent bomb threats.

MHA officials have received timely updates from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) regarding the situation. An official stated, “Senior officials of MHA have instructed all relevant security agencies in the aviation sector to prepare a report on the matter and submit it promptly. The investigation will be overseen by the central intelligence agency to determine if this constitutes a conspiracy against the reputation of the Indian aviation sector.” 

Furthermore, the official noted that cyber units have been alerted to monitor and track social media accounts making these threats. Many of these accounts have been identified as operating from outside the country, and actions have been taken to suspend them as soon as they are detected.

In response to the security alerts, Akasa Air announced that Flight QP 1335 from Delhi to Bengaluru, carrying 174 passengers and crew, was diverted to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi as a precaution. An Akasa Air spokesperson confirmed that the Emergency Response teams are overseeing the situation and ensuring the safe landing of the flight, which is expected to arrive around 14:00 hrs. Meanwhile, an Indigo spokesperson reported that Flight 6E 651 from Mumbai to Delhi was redirected to Ahmedabad due to a security alert, with passengers safely disembarked and the aircraft isolated. The safety and security of customers and crew remain the highest priority in all operations.

Delhi Police has filed an FIR regarding bomb threats made to multiple domestic and international flights over the past two days and has initiated an investigation into the incident, official sources reported on Wednesday.

With inputs from ANI