Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupt At Least 10 Indian Flights, Causing Delays and Diversions

Indian Flights, Causing Delays and Diversions

Over the past 48 hours, at least 10 flights in India have been disrupted due to hoax bomb threats, resulting in significant delays and diversions.

On Tuesday, Singapore's Air Force dispatched two fighter jets to escort an Air India Express flight away from populated areas after a bomb threat was reported. Earlier that day, an Air India flight en route from Delhi to Chicago made an emergency landing at a Canadian airport as a precaution.

While hoax bomb threats are not uncommon in India, the recent uptick in such incidents is puzzling. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security did not respond to requests for comment from the BBC.

Several airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, were also targeted in this wave of threats. On Monday, three international flights departing from Mumbai were delayed or rerouted following alarming posts made on X (formerly Twitter). A teenager has since been arrested in connection with these threats.

On Tuesday, seven additional flights, including two operated by Air India, were impacted by threats made by a different account on X, which has since been suspended. Screenshots from the posts indicated that the user tagged both the airline and local authorities while including flight numbers.

In response to the threats, Air India stated that it is working closely with authorities to track down those responsible and may pursue legal action for the damages incurred.

Each Indian airport is equipped with a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee that evaluates the severity of threats and takes necessary precautions. When a threat is reported, protocols are activated, involving bomb disposal teams, sniffer dogs, ambulances, police, and medical personnel. Passengers, cabin baggage, check-in baggage, and cargo are all removed and screened again, while engineering and security teams conduct thorough inspections of the aircraft before it is cleared for takeoff.

These delays can be costly, potentially leading to thousands of dollars in damages for airlines and security services. For flights destined for other countries, international authorities may also become involved, as seen with the incidents in Singapore and Canada.

The Singapore Defense Minister confirmed that the Air India Express flight was safely escorted to Changi Airport by fighter jets and subsequently handed over to the Airport Police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is also looking into the threat associated with the Air India flight that landed in Iqaluit. Air India announced that Canadian Air Force personnel were facilitating the passengers' transfer to Chicago, though it remains unclear when the original flight will be allowed to depart.

Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupt At Least 10 Indian Flights, Causing Delays and Diversions