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Recent weeks have seen a disturbing surge in hoax bomb threats targeting Indian airlines, causing widespread disruption and fear among passengers and aviation personnel. This alarming trend has prompted the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to reassure the public that Indian skies remain safe and that robust protocols are in place to address these threats. The BCAS Director General, Zulfiquar Hasan, has emphasized that the authorities are working tirelessly to curb these threats and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The series of hoax bomb threats began with multiple airlines receiving a total of 30 threats over a four-day period. Notably, SpiceJet and AirAsia were particularly affected, each receiving five bomb threats. These threats have placed a significant burden on airlines, security forces, and passengers alike. Airports have experienced delays and disruptions, while passengers have faced anxiety and uncertainty. The aviation industry is grappling with the challenging task of maintaining operational stability during this period of heightened security concerns, especially during the festive season when travel demand is typically high.
In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is actively collaborating with other relevant ministries to strengthen existing laws and ensure more stringent penalties for those who perpetrate hoax bomb threats. The proposed amendments aim to impose a 5-year imprisonment sentence for such offenses and place offenders on a no-fly list. This decisive action is intended to deter future incidents and send a clear message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated. The BCAS is also working closely with airlines and security agencies to investigate the root cause of these threats and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Source: Indian skies absolutely safe, says BCAS chief amid hoax bomb calls