Government Reports Arrest of 13 Individuals Linked to Hoax Bomb Threats Against Airlines in 2024

The government reported that 13 individuals were arrested in 2024 for making false bomb threats to airlines. Last year, airlines received a total of 728 bomb threats, with 714 directed at domestic carriers, according to the civil aviation ministry's data presented in the Rajya Sabha. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) provided this information.

Representative image

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that among Indian airlines, IndiGo faced the most threats with 216 incidents. Air India followed with 179, Vistara had 153, Akasa Air received 72, SpiceJet got 35, Alliance Air encountered 26, Air India Express had 19, and Star Air received 14 threats. Foreign airlines accounted for 14 threats in total.

Bomb Threats and Security Measures

Emirates and Air Arabia were among the foreign carriers affected, receiving five and three threats respectively. Other airlines like Aeroflot, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air each reported one threat last year. In response to these incidents, BCAS has enforced strict protocols for managing such threats.

As part of the Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP), each airport has a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) responsible for evaluating and responding to threats. BCAS has also issued advisories to civil aviation stakeholders to enhance security measures and prevent unlawful interference.

Legislative Developments in Aviation

In a separate statement, Mohol mentioned that on January 16, the Union Cabinet approved the introduction of the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025. This bill aims to safeguard interests in aircraft objects and implement international agreements signed in Cape Town on November 16, 2001.

The legislation seeks to provide statutory recognition of insolvency remedies as agreed by India under the Cape Town Treaty. It includes provisions for Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorisation and outlines debtor and creditor obligations towards the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The bill is designed to override any conflicting domestic laws and authorises the DGCA to issue necessary directions for implementing the treaty's provisions. This move is intended to protect interests in aircraft objects effectively.

Mohol was responding to questions from member Sikander Kumar regarding these legislative measures. The aim is to ensure streamlined processes for handling aircraft-related interests while adhering to international standards.