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The recent wave of bomb threats targeting Indian airlines continues to disrupt air travel, with 10 IndiGo flights becoming the latest victims. These threats, spanning both domestic and international routes, bring the total number of affected flights to over 120 in just over a week. The affected IndiGo flights included routes connecting Delhi, Jeddah, Istanbul, Kozikode, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mangalore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Dammam.
IndiGo confirmed that they worked closely with authorities, adhering to standard operating procedures, and expressing regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers. While the airline attributed the threats to security alerts, sources revealed that 10 Vistara flights also received similar threats, triggering heightened security measures at airports and during flights.
The series of bomb threats has created widespread chaos in the aviation sector, with approximately 30 flights being disrupted on Monday alone. The incidents have impacted airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India, forcing them to implement stringent security protocols, leading to delays and inconveniences for passengers. While most threats have turned out to be hoaxes, the operational challenges resulting from security procedures have caused significant disruption.
In response to the escalating situation, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced plans for stringent measures against those responsible for making hoax calls or spreading false information on social media. The proposed amendments to aviation security rules include imposing life imprisonment and placing offenders on the no-fly list. The ministry also aims to expand the existing Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, to encompass disruptions originating from the ground, making them punishable by life imprisonment.
Source: 10 More IndiGo Flights Receive Bomb Threats, Tally Crosses 120 In Just Over A Week