At Least 7 More Flights Get Hoax Bomb Threats, Aviation Minister Says Those Responsible Will Be Prosecuted

At least seven more flights got hoax bomb threats on Wednesday, taking the number of such cases to nearly 20 in the past three days. Bomb threats were received by four IndiGo flights, two SpiceJet flights and one flight of Akasa Air today.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing all cases of bomb threats against airlines and the government is closely monitoring the situation,

Against the backdrop of at least 19 flights operated by Indian carriers receiving bomb threats in three days that later turned out to be hoax, he also said the Mumbai police have arrested a minor responsible for issuing bomb threats targeting three flights.

“All others responsible for the disruptions will be identified and duly prosecuted,” the minister said in a statement as he expressed deep concern over the recent disruptive acts targeting the airlines.

Condemning any attempt to compromise the safety, security and operational integrity of the aviation sector, Naidu also said that he is monitoring the situation regularly.

On Monday, Naidu chaired a high-level meeting that was attended by 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.

“I assure all the stakeholders, including passengers and industry partners, that every possible effort is being made to safeguard the operations.

“We are committed to enhancing security measures and maintaining seamless coordination with global security agencies,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting was held on Wednesday where officials of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Intelligence Bureau and the Ministry of Home Affairs were present.

According to sources, CISF and other agencies have started working on a SOP for better coordination to handle such situations. The BCAS has proposed that those making hoax bomb calls be put on the no flyers list.

Delhi Police Registers FIR, Begins Probe in 8 Hoax Threats to Flights

The Delhi Police has registered an FIR in connection with bomb threats to several domestic and international flights in the last two days and launched a probe into the matter, official sources said on Wednesday.

A Bengaluru-bound Akasa Air flight with more than 180 people on board returned to the national capital on Wednesday afternoon following a bomb threat.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) Usha Rangnani said, “Airport police has responded to eight incidents involving reported bomb threats this month. After thorough verifications and inspection, all threats were confirmed to be hoaxes.” “Legal action has been initiated against those responsible for these false alarms to ensure strict measures against misuse and to maintain the safety and security of passengers and airport operations,” she said.

She said an FIR under sections 217 and 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as section 3(1)(d) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, has been registered in connection with the recent hoax bomb threat concerning Akasa Air flight.

“After coordination with the concerned social media platform, all accounts responsible for spreading these false threats have been suspended to prevent further misuse and ensure public safety,” she said, adding detailed investigations were underway.