Over the past 72 hours, at least 12 Indian airlines have been rattled by what appear to be hoax bomb threats. This surge included Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, causing widespread panic among passengers and leading to numerous emergency situations.
The series of threats began on Monday, when three international flights out of Mumbai were forced to divert or delay due to alarming messages posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. A teenager has already been detained by police as part of the investigation, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
On Tuesday, the situation escalated. Singapore sent two fighter jets to escort an Air India Express flight safely away from populated areas due to a bomb threat. Hours earlier, another Air India flight traveling from Delhi to Chicago had to make an emergency landing at Iqaluit, Canada, following similar threats.
These types of threats are not uncommon within India's aviation sector. Still, the timing of this recent spate is alarming. Given the financial and operational pressure faced by airlines, such threats could cost thousands of dollars and lead to significant delays and disruptions. According to Air India, the airline is cooperating with authorities to pinpoint the culprits involved and is considering legal actions for the damages incurred.
The effects of these bomb scares are multifold. After each threat is reported, the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee at Indian airports assesses the severity of the situation, leading to the involvement of bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs, ambulances, and medical staff. Passengers are removed from planes along with all luggage and cargo, which are screened again before flights are cleared to resume. This stringent security protocol aims to protect everyone on board but can result in long delays.
Media reports indicate the threats might involve direct tagging of airline accounts and local police on social media, which has made it easier for such hoaxes to gain traction rapidly. Just on Tuesday, at least seven flights faced threats, including two Air India planes.
After these unsettling events, the Civil Aviation Ministry convened emergency meetings, and there is increased scrutiny over the channels used to issue such threats. A parliamentary committee also met to address the emergency and explore how to bolster security measures across Indian aviation.
Speculation has begun as to what might be driving the current upswing of threats. Some sources suggest monitoring activity on the dark web, where individuals can operate anonymously and initiate hoaxes without immediately facing repercussions, may provide answers.
On the operational front, the consequences of these threats have immediate and far-reaching impacts on airlines. Beyond the immediate financial strain, delays caused by these hoaxes can cause ripple effects within the aviation sector, impacting connecting flights and leading to passenger frustration and loss of trust.
Air India, for example, found itself having to arrange alternative transportation after its Chicago-bound flight was grounded, resulting in Canadian Air Force planes taking stranded passengers from Iqaluit to Chicago after their lengthy wait.
After the heightened alert, airline authorities are now deliberatively considering measures like placing hoax callers on no-fly lists to deter such behavior. The operational security changes come as threats put both the safety of passengers and the integrity of air travel directly under scrutiny.
Given the broader international ramifications, including instances of other nations' involvement—such as Singapore escorting planes and Canadian forces assessing threats—airlines are under greater pressure than ever. The interests of national and international safety remain at the forefront as authorities work diligently to address these challenges.
Flight passengers across India are feeling the unease of such events, prompting calls for reassurance and enhanced security measures. Airlines are working hard to navigate this precarious situation as they aim to regain passenger confidence amid rising safety concerns.
