Bomb Threats Disrupt 32 Indian Flights, Prompting Emergency Security Checks

On October 20, a wave of bomb threats targeted at least 32 Indian-operated flights created significant turmoil at airports across the country, leading to emergency inspections and checks. Officials reported that while many flights faced delays, only one was diverted for an emergency landing amid the chaos.

Among the affected flights was a Vistara service, UK 17, traveling from Delhi to London, which had to divert to Frankfurt for a thorough security check before proceeding to its final destination after a two-hour delay. Most bomb threats were reported after the flights had safely landed, exacerbating the already tense situation.

The incident rattled the aviation sector, as several major Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Vistara, SpiceJet, Star Air, and Alliance Air, received numerous bomb threats. These threats varied in nature, with some discovered written in lavatories and others transmitted through social media and email. Officials confirmed that all the threats were hoaxes, but the impact on operations was palpable.

In response to the crisis, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) convened a meeting with CEOs and representatives from various airlines in New Delhi. Director General Zulfiquar Hasan reassured attendees that all required protocols were being implemented effectively, stating, “Indian skies are absolutely safe. The current protocol to deal with the situation is robust and is being strictly followed. We reassure passengers that they should fly without any fear and, in fact, fly even more.”

To prevent future incidents of hoax bomb threats, the Civil Aviation Ministry is considering implementing stricter measures, including placing the perpetrators on a no-fly list. This initiative aims to deter individuals from making such threats and to maintain the safety and security of air travel.

The severity of the situation was underscored by over 70 domestic and international flights receiving security alerts. In a proactive measure, Delhi Police reached out to social media platforms, including X, to aid in identifying the culprits responsible for these unsettling messages. As authorities continue to investigate, the aviation industry remains on high alert, emphasizing the importance of passenger safety.