On Monday night, a total of 30 domestic and international flights operated by Indian airlines received bomb threats, raising serious security concerns across the aviation sector. Among the airlines affected were IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India, which confirmed the receipt of security-related alerts regarding several flights.
An IndiGo spokesperson stated that four of its flights were impacted by these threats. The flights included 6E 164 from Mangaluru to Mumbai, 6E 75 from Ahmedabad to Jeddah, 6E 67 from Hyderabad to Jeddah, and 6E 118 from Lucknow to Pune. Passengers on these flights disembarked safely, and the airline confirmed that standard operating procedures were strictly followed in response to the alerts.
Air India also acknowledged that some of its flights experienced security threats originating from social media. An Air India spokesperson emphasized the adherence to established protocols, stating, “Following the laid down protocols, relevant authorities were immediately alerted, and all security procedures strictly adhered to, as per guidance from the regulatory authorities and security agencies.”
Similarly, Vistara reported that several of its flights on the same day were subjected to security threats on social media. The airline’s spokesperson assured that the necessary authorities were notified and that all recommended security measures were being implemented.
The wave of bomb threats has escalated in recent weeks, with over 120 flights operated by Indian carriers reportedly receiving similar alerts. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu remarked on the seriousness of the situation, stating that even if bomb threats turn out to be hoaxes, they must be treated with utmost seriousness.
In response to the growing concern over airline security, the government is planning legislative actions to better address bomb threats. Proposed amendments to The Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act (SUASCA), 1982, would empower authorities to arrest perpetrators and initiate probes without a court order when an aircraft is on the ground. Additionally, changes to aircraft security rules are being considered to ensure stricter penalties for individuals who issue bomb threats.
As Indian airlines navigate these challenges, the focus remains on passenger safety and the effective implementation of security protocols to mitigate risks in the aviation sector.