The Highlights:
In a disturbing trend of bomb threats made against Indian airlines within the last couple of days, as many as 24 flights operated by major airlines like IndiGo and Vistara reported receiving bomb threats on Sunday, October 20, 2024. The authorities were quick in placing several places under emergency protocols, causing significant disruptions to the flight movement across the country. The ominous nature of the threats has landed Indian security agencies deeper into an investigation.
24 Flights Targeted in one day
The latest wave of bomb threats came on Sunday, targeting 24 flights of which were forced to make emergency landings or even face stringent security checks. Included among the airlines targeted are IndiGo, Vistara, and Akasa Air while six IndiGo -flights faced threats, though no bombs were found, and the threats were declared as hoaxes.
But the threat was disruptive enough. Several flights, including international routes, were diverted. An Air India flight from Delhi to the US was forced to make an emergency landing in Canada, leaving more than 200 passengers stranded for more than 18 hours.
The Growing Threat to Indian Aviation
It may not be the first time this pattern of bomb threats, but recent cases have hit the scale in terms of frequency, having raised some flags in India’s aviation sector. In the last couple of days, at least 20 flights have been targeted, sending into a panic numerous passengers and prompting security agencies to immediately resort to emergency action. Flights were diverted mid-air and airports had to start undertaking counter-terrorist drills in the process, causing delays of other scheduled flights.
The threats primarily came through the social media platform, X, formerly Twitter. In the posts, airline and police handles were tagged to alert everyone of the possible presence of explosives on board. Although none of the threats actually materialized, the responses of airlines and security forces came quickly, as expected in safety protocols. All flights were moved to isolated places within airports for their thorough checking by bomb disposal squads.
Financial and Operations Impact
The bomb threats, though hoaxes, have brought an enormous burden of financial expenses on Indian airlines. Right from the emergency landings to rebooking the passengers and rescheduling the flight, the add-on costs have been there in profuse numbers. The expenses on additional fuel consumption, crew overtime, and accommodation of the passengers for extended periods have run into considerable figures. An Air India Mumbai to New York flight diverted to Delhi costs ₹36 lakh more than estimated to Air India.
Even the airports were not spared from this operational chaos. As a result of the security measures, dozens of flights were also faced with delay and hundreds of other ones with disruption. Airlines were already facing sufferings as operational expenses during the festivals. The hoax threat added more strain to that.
Investigations and Countermeasures
The MoCA and BCAS are reportedly working in tandem with law enforcement agencies to identify the culprits who are making these types of hoax threats. A Bomb Threat Assessment Committee has been constituted to make an assessment of the situation and plan strategies to neutralize them in the future. Further, there is a proposal to put the responsible elements on the no-fly list.
The investigative authorities are trying to find some patterns while they are conducting their investigations. The use of VPNs has kept the identity of those who were giving out threats anonymous, and hence it’s hard for the law enforcement agencies to trace them. However, officials are sure that the culprits will be caught and tried in court.
Conclusion: Vigilance Call
Recent bomb threats have, once again, shaken India’s aviation sector to its core. Even though none of the threats were proved to be genuine, the level of disturbance is an important reminder of the critical need for tightened security measures and digital vigilance. As more potential hoaxes are expected in the aviation sector, ensuring passenger safety while causing minimal operational disruption is the way forward.
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