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The Indian government is taking a stern approach to combat the rising trend of hoax threat messages targeting commercial flights, working on implementing a no-fly list for individuals issuing such false alarms. This comes amidst a wave of disruptions impacting multiple airlines, including Air India, with recent incidents resulting in flight diversions and delays. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had proposed placing individuals responsible for making hoax threats against flights and other aviation infrastructure on the no-fly list in June, but was initially hampered by the lack of a clear legal basis for this action. The aviation ministry is now working to resolve this issue, and officials are emphasizing the urgency of implementing the deterrence measure to curb the growing menace.
The increasing frequency of these threats has caused significant concern for both airlines and passengers. Airlines are urging the government to crack down on this issue, highlighting the disruptions caused by false alarms, the financial losses incurred, and the stress it creates for passengers. Air India has stated that it will pursue legal action to recover damages incurred due to these threats. On Wednesday alone, two flights were impacted by threats, with an Akasa Delhi-Bangalore flight returning to Delhi and an IndiGo Mumbai-Delhi flight diverted to Ahmedabad. In previous days, over ten flights were affected, including an Air India Delhi-Chicago flight that was diverted to a remote town in Canada, and an AI Mumbai-New York flight diverted to Delhi.
The incident involving the Air India Delhi-Chicago flight, which diverted to Iqaluit, Canada, due to a threat message, has highlighted the significant impact these threats can have. Over 200 passengers were stranded in the remote town for over a day due to flight duty time limitations and the lack of adequate facilities. The Canadian authorities ultimately provided an airlift using a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus A330 to transport the passengers to Chicago, with the passengers arriving without their checked-in baggage. The situation underscores the need for effective measures to deter false threats, and the potential consequences for both airlines and passengers when these threats are made. BCAS DG Zulfiquar Hasan assured the public that all flights are safe and that the Indian skies are secure, emphasizing the agency's commitment to identifying and pursuing legal action against those responsible for issuing hoax messages. The incident, however, serves as a stark reminder of the real-world disruptions and anxieties caused by these threats.
This escalating situation demonstrates the need for a comprehensive approach to address flight threats. The Indian government's commitment to enacting a no-fly list for individuals issuing hoax threats represents a crucial step towards deterring future incidents. Further, enhanced coordination between authorities, airlines, and passengers will be crucial to ensuring the safety and security of the aviation sector. This includes developing improved communication channels to promptly disseminate accurate information, implementing stricter protocols for handling threat assessments, and exploring alternative means of resolving issues related to diverted flights and passenger welfare.