At least 10 flights in India have been targeted by false bomb threats over the last 48 hours, causing a spate of disruptions, including diversions and delays for passengers. These incidents involved airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, leaving security agencies on high alert. Notably, one Air India Express flight was escorted by Singapore's Air Force, and another had to land in Canada as preventive measures. Authorities are now investigating the sources of these threats, which seem to originate from social media accounts. While such hoax threats are not unprecedented, the intensity and frequency have raised concerns and mobilized extraordinary security responses.
Indian Airlines Grapple with Spike in Hoax Bomb Threats
Indian Airlines Grapple with Spike in Hoax Bomb Threats
A sudden surge of hoax bomb threats has disrupted Indian airlines, leading to significant delays and rerouted flights.
Over the past couple of days, Indian airlines have faced a barrage of hoax bomb threats that resulted in numerous flight delays and diversions. On Tuesday, a bomb threat prompted Singapore's Air Force to escort an Air India Express flight away from inhabited areas. Earlier, an Air India plane en route to Chicago made an emergency stop in Canada. These threats have taken a heavy toll on airlines, as each incident triggers extensive safety protocols involving bomb threat assessments and collaboration with international security agencies.
The sudden influx of threats remains unexplained, with the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation and other related bodies staying silent on possible causes. Apart from Air India, other local carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have also been targeted. Monday's threats led to the diversion or delay of three international flights departing Mumbai, following ominous posts from a now-suspended social media account. In connection with these threats, police have detained a teenager. On Tuesday alone, seven flights, including two Air India routes, were impacted by threats from another social media account that specifically tagged airlines and law enforcement.
Pressured by these events, Air India has expressed its dedication to cooperating with authorities for identifying those responsible and may consider pursuing legal action to recover damages. Airports in India employ a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee to evaluate potential threats and respond accordingly, often mobilizing bomb squads, sniffer dogs, ambulances, and other support services. This rigorous process impacts airlines financially, causing delays that are costly both to carriers and security services. In certain cases, these threats draw in international cooperation, exemplifying the expansive reach of such hoaxes.
Singapore's Defence Minister reported two fighter jets from the city-state were deployed to escort the Air India Express flight safely to Changi airport. Meanwhile, Canadian authorities are conducting an investigation into the threat that led an Air India plane to land at Iqaluit airport. Air India announced that a Canadian Air Force aircraft is assisting in transporting passengers from there to Chicago. However, the original Air India flight remains grounded, awaiting clearance to resume its journey.
The sudden influx of threats remains unexplained, with the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation and other related bodies staying silent on possible causes. Apart from Air India, other local carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have also been targeted. Monday's threats led to the diversion or delay of three international flights departing Mumbai, following ominous posts from a now-suspended social media account. In connection with these threats, police have detained a teenager. On Tuesday alone, seven flights, including two Air India routes, were impacted by threats from another social media account that specifically tagged airlines and law enforcement.
Pressured by these events, Air India has expressed its dedication to cooperating with authorities for identifying those responsible and may consider pursuing legal action to recover damages. Airports in India employ a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee to evaluate potential threats and respond accordingly, often mobilizing bomb squads, sniffer dogs, ambulances, and other support services. This rigorous process impacts airlines financially, causing delays that are costly both to carriers and security services. In certain cases, these threats draw in international cooperation, exemplifying the expansive reach of such hoaxes.
Singapore's Defence Minister reported two fighter jets from the city-state were deployed to escort the Air India Express flight safely to Changi airport. Meanwhile, Canadian authorities are conducting an investigation into the threat that led an Air India plane to land at Iqaluit airport. Air India announced that a Canadian Air Force aircraft is assisting in transporting passengers from there to Chicago. However, the original Air India flight remains grounded, awaiting clearance to resume its journey.
