A Surge in Hoax Bomb Threats on Flights in India.
In a disturbing pattern that has emerged in recent days, India’s aviation sector has faced a barrage of hoax bomb threats across various airlines. These fake threats have not only disrupted flight schedules but have also caused significant distress to passengers. The most alarming fact is the sheer number of such hoaxes in a short span, with 13 incidents occurring within just 48 hours, leaving authorities scrambling to address the situation. In this article, we take a closer look at the flights affected, the potential motivations behind these threats, and the steps taken by the authorities to identify and apprehend those responsible.
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| Airline Industry. |
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List of Flights Affected by Bomb Threats
The hoax calls targeted multiple airlines, both domestic and international, causing significant disruptions. Below is a list of some of the flights that received bomb threats in recent days:
Air India (Delhi to Chicago): On October 15, 2024, the flight had to make an emergency landing at a small airport in Canada after receiving a bomb threat. This caused panic among passengers, but the threat turned out to be fake.
IndiGo (Saudi Arabia to Lucknow): This flight was diverted to Jaipur following a hoax bomb threat, causing delays and an extensive search of the aircraft.
Akasa Air (Bangalore to Delhi): Carrying 185 passengers, this flight was rerouted after a threat was received, but the threat was later determined to be false.
Air India Express (Ayodhya): Another Air India Express flight from Ayodhya also had its route altered due to a bomb scare.
SpiceJet, Vistara, and IndiGo: Multiple domestic flights, including routes such as Jaipur to Bengaluru, Darbhanga to Mumbai, and Delhi to Chicago, also faced similar disruptions.
Mumbai-Delhi Flight (Air India): A flight carrying 200 passengers had to make an emergency landing in Ahmedabad after a bomb threat, which later turned out to be fake.
Nature of the Hoax Calls
The bomb threats were received via different mediums, including phone calls, emails, and social media posts. Most of these threats were directed toward domestic airlines, but international routes weren’t spared either. The unsettling nature of these hoaxes caused widespread panic among passengers and led to costly delays and emergency landings. Even though all threats turned out to be fake, the situation is no laughing matter, as emergency protocols had to be activated in every instance, draining both resources and time.
Arrests and Investigations: Those Responsible
The spate of hoax bomb threats prompted swift action from security agencies across India. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, immediately ordered investigations into these incidents. The agencies involved included the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). In addition, cyber units were alerted to track the source of the threats, especially those issued over social media.
A breakthrough came when the Mumbai Police tracked down several suspects involved in issuing these hoax calls. A 17-year-old from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, was arrested for his role in making bomb threats against three Mumbai-bound flights. The minor, who is the son of a local businessman, had hacked the social media account of a man named Fazaluddin to issue the threats. This individual was not acting alone—three other minors were also detained in connection with these hoaxes.
In a detailed report by Dainik Bhaskar, it was revealed that this teenager had previously been involved in issuing fake bomb threats against trains, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior. The authorities, while handling the situation delicately due to the minor’s age, confirmed that legal actions would be taken against all responsible parties. The minor reportedly suffers from mental instability, which is believed to have contributed to his involvement in these crimes.
In another case, a passenger on a Vistara flight from London to Delhi found a note in the restroom, written on tissue paper, stating that a bomb was on board. This caused significant delays, with passengers being stranded for 5 to 6 hours during the investigation, but the note turned out to be a prank. The authorities are investigating whether this incident is connected to the wave of hoaxes or if it was an isolated act.
Consequences and Penalties
Hoax bomb calls, though fake, come with severe consequences. The disruption they cause isn’t limited to schedule delays. Flights are forced to make emergency landings, which not only inconvenience passengers but also result in financial losses for the airlines and airports. In some cases, air force jets have been deployed to escort planes, as seen in the case of an Air India Express flight from Madurai to Singapore, where two F-15 fighter jets were sent to protect the aircraft after receiving a bomb threat.
Under Indian law, hoax calls and bomb threats are taken very seriously. According to the Aircraft Rules, 2015, anyone found guilty of making a false bomb threat faces a prison sentence ranging from 1 to 7 years, with the possibility of an extension to 10 years, depending on the severity of the case. Additionally, fines of up to ₹10 lakh can be imposed. These strict penalties aim to deter individuals from engaging in such reckless behavior.
The recent surge in hoax bomb threats has placed immense strain on India’s aviation industry, disrupting flights and causing undue panic among passengers. While all the threats have turned out to be fake, authorities are taking no chances, investigating every incident thoroughly and apprehending those responsible. The arrests of individuals behind these hoax calls raise several important questions: Who are these people? What motivates them to engage in such dangerous pranks? Could there be a larger conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the airline industry?
Although many of those arrested in connection with the recent incidents are minors or individuals acting out of personal reasons, the frequency and coordination of these threats have caused some to speculate that there may be more than just random acts behind the surge. The fact that these hoaxes are spread across domestic and international flights suggests that they may be part of a concerted effort to undermine confidence in India’s aviation security, leading to further financial strain on the industry. Authorities are exploring all possibilities, including whether organized groups or external elements could be using such hoaxes to disturb operations, manipulate stock prices, or cause reputational damage to airlines.
