Bomb Threats Disrupt Seven Flights in India; Government Ensures Active Investigations

Seven flights faced bomb threats on Wednesday, raising the total to 19 affected flights over three days. The Union government confirmed that law enforcement is actively investigating these incidents. Mumbai Police arrested a minor for threatening three flights. Some flights were delayed, diverted, or returned mid-journey due to threats received via social media, causing significant concern among security agencies.

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In response to these threats, the Delhi Police registered an FIR and initiated an investigation into the bomb threats affecting several flights over the past two days. On Wednesday, at least three IndiGo flights, two SpiceJet flights, and one Akasa Air flight received bomb threats. IndiGo's Riyadh-Mumbai flight was diverted to Muscat as a precautionary measure.

Government Response and Arrests

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu stated that law enforcement agencies are diligently pursuing all cases of bomb threats against airlines. The government is closely monitoring the situation. He also mentioned that Mumbai Police had arrested a minor responsible for issuing threats to three flights. The minister condemned any attempts to compromise aviation safety and security.

The issue of multiple hoax threat messages to various airlines was discussed by a parliamentary committee on Wednesday. Naidu assured stakeholders, including passengers and industry partners, that every effort is being made to ensure safe operations.

Specific Incidents and Legal Actions

On Wednesday afternoon, an Akasa Air flight bound for Bengaluru with 184 people onboard returned to Delhi following a bomb threat. An airline spokesperson confirmed that Akasa Air flight QP 1335 from Delhi to Bengaluru on October 16, 2024, carrying 174 passengers, three infants, and seven crew members, received a security alert.

Deputy Commissioner of Police IGI Usha Rangnani reported that airport police responded to eight bomb threat incidents this month. After thorough checks, all threats were deemed hoaxes. Legal action has been initiated against those responsible for these false alarms to prevent misuse and maintain passenger safety.

Additional Threats and Measures

On Tuesday, nine flights received bomb threats. One of them, Air India's AI 127 from Delhi to Chicago, was diverted to Canada. Passengers stranded at Iqaluit airport were transported to Chicago by a Canadian Air Force plane. An Air India Express flight from Madurai to Singapore also received a threat on Tuesday. Singapore Armed Forces deployed fighter jets to escort the plane safely to Changi Airport.

Monday saw bomb threats targeting three flights. A high-level meeting chaired by Naidu included officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Ministry of Home Affairs, and Civil Aviation.

The recent surge in hoax threats has prompted authorities to take stringent measures against those responsible. Ensuring passenger safety remains a top priority for both government officials and airline operators as they work together to address these security challenges effectively.