The Ministry of Civil Aviation is set to implement stringent regulations aimed at curbing incidents of hoax bomb threats against airlines, including placing offenders on a no-fly list. This announcement follows a troubling surge in bomb threats received by various Indian airlines, with over 20 incidents reported within just four days, affecting both domestic and international flights. Fortunately, most of these threats have turned out to be hoaxes, but the disruptions they cause are significant.
A senior official from the ministry indicated that in response to these alarming trends, there will be a comprehensive review and amendment of existing regulations, particularly those related to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The ministry is gathering legal opinions to ensure that the changes proposed are effective and enforceable. One of the key proposals includes adding individuals responsible for hoax threats to a no-fly list maintained by airlines, which would effectively prevent them from boarding any flights.
In its efforts to devise a robust response, the ministry is also examining best practices implemented by other countries in managing hoax bomb threats. The goal is to establish a strong deterrent against those who compromise the safety and security of the aviation sector through such malicious acts.
At present, existing laws against unruly passenger behaviour onboard flights do not extend to address bomb threats that originate from external sources, such as social media. Currently, law enforcement agencies handle these threats under criminal law, but the ministry aims to create a dedicated framework for dealing specifically with bomb threats.
Discussions are ongoing with the home and law ministries, along with input from various airlines, to ensure that the proposed regulations effectively address the issue while maintaining the safety and integrity of air travel in India.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has stated that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing investigations related to bomb threats and that the government is closely monitoring the situation. He condemned any attempts that jeopardize the safety, security, and operational integrity of the aviation industry.
With these measures, the Ministry of Civil Aviation seeks to restore confidence in air travel and ensure that passengers can fly without fear of disruptions caused by hoax threats. The planned regulations represent a proactive approach to safeguarding the aviation sector from emerging threats and ensuring that those responsible for such actions face significant repercussions.