On the night of October 15, 2024, a serious bomb threat was made against Air India Express flight AXB684, en route from Madurai, India, to Singapore. The bomb threat prompted immediate action from the authorities, with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) deploying two F-15SG fighter jets to escort the aircraft away from populated areas. Thankfully, the flight landed safely at Singapore’s Changi Airport at around 10:04 PM, and all passengers disembarked without any harm. No explosives were found on board, but the incident raises important questions about aviation security and the frequent occurrence of such bomb threats.

Bomb Threat: What Happened on Flight AXB684?

The bomb threat against Air India Express flight AXB684 caused significant concern for both the airline and the authorities in Singapore. The email received by the airline claimed that a bomb was on board, immediately triggering a high-level security response. RSAF F-15SG jets were scrambled to ensure the aircraft was kept away from populated areas while it made its way to Singapore. At Changi Airport, security teams swiftly evacuated all passengers and crew. Fortunately, no bomb was found, and the bomb threat turned out to be a hoax.

However, the immediate and forceful response to the bomb threat was not just protocol—it was a reflection of the seriousness with which authorities treat such incidents, especially in the current global climate of heightened security concerns. With the safety of passengers and the general public at stake, authorities must treat every bomb threat as credible until proven otherwise.

Bomb Threats in Aviation: Why Are They So Common?

Aviation security agencies worldwide have been facing a rising number of bomb threats in recent years. Several reasons contribute to the increase in such incidents:

1. Disruption Tactics: Some bomb threats are made by individuals or groups seeking to disrupt air travel. These disruptions can cause financial losses for airlines, delays for passengers, and widespread panic. Often, the individuals behind these threats have no intention of actual violence but use the threat of it to cause chaos.
2. Grievances or Revenge: In some cases bomb threats are made by disgruntled employees, passengers, or individuals seeking revenge on airlines or specific people. These threats may stem from personal disputes or dissatisfaction with services.
3. Psychological Warfare: Terrorist organizations, or individuals looking to sow fear, sometimes use bomb threats as a form of psychological warfare. By making these threats, they can cause widespread anxiety without necessarily carrying out any physical attack.
4. Hoaxes and Copycat Incidents: Many bomb threats are hoaxes, made by people who want attention or who are imitating other high-profile incidents. These hoaxes, while not physically dangerous, are still incredibly disruptive and waste valuable resources in responding to them.

The Immediate Impact of a Bomb Threat on Airline Operations

When a bomb threat is made, the immediate response involves a comprehensive security operation. In the case of Air India Express flight AXB684, the response included the scrambling of RSAF jets, diverting the aircraft to avoid populated areas, and conducting a thorough inspection once it landed. While these measures are crucial for ensuring safety, they also come at a significant cost.

Firstly, airlines face massive financial losses due to delayed or canceled flights. For passengers, such incidents can result in hours of anxiety and uncertainty. Even when the bomb threat is proven to be false, the emotional toll on passengers and the crew is undeniable.

Furthermore, responding to bomb threats requires a coordinated effort between multiple agencies—airlines, airports, local law enforcement, and national security agencies—putting a strain on resources. Security teams must act quickly and decisively, all while managing the panic and ensuring minimal disruption to airport operations.

How Authorities Respond to Bomb Threats: A Global Standard

Airlines and security agencies around the world follow strict protocols when dealing with a bomb threat. The process generally follows a few key steps:

1. Immediate Verification: The airline and authorities assess the credibility of the bomb threat. Although all threats are taken seriously, there are methods to gauge the likelihood of a threat being real, based on intelligence and previous incidents.
2. Safety Measures: Once a bomb threat is reported, safety measures like diverting the flight away from populated areas, as seen with flight AXB684, are standard. Airports are prepared for emergency landings, and teams are on standby to handle potential evacuations.
3. Evacuation and Search: Upon landing, passengers are immediately evacuated, and the aircraft is thoroughly searched by bomb squads. This is often the most time-consuming part of the operation, as every part of the plane must be inspected.
4. Post-Incident Investigation: Even after it is confirmed that no bomb was present, authorities continue to investigate the source of the bomb threat. They track down the individuals responsible and prosecute them to deter future incidents.

Preventing Bomb Threats: How Airlines and Security Agencies Are Adapting

Given the rise in bomb threats, airlines and security agencies have been stepping up efforts to prevent such incidents. Enhanced passenger screening, improved intelligence-sharing between countries, and advanced technology to detect explosives are all part of the strategies being implemented.

In addition, airlines are training their staff to handle bomb threats calmly and efficiently. Communication between pilots, cabin crew, and ground control is vital to ensure a smooth and safe response to any potential threat. Moreover, passengers are now more aware of how to report suspicious behaviour or items, making it easier to identify real threats before they escalate.

The Role of International Cooperation in Bomb Threat Response

One of the most important aspects of responding to a bomb threat is international cooperation. As flight AXB684 demonstrated, a coordinated effort between Indian and Singaporean authorities ensured a safe landing and swift resolution of the situation. The bomb threat incident serves as a reminder that international cooperation is essential for maintaining global aviation security.

In addition to intelligence-sharing, countries must work together to track down individuals responsible for making bomb threats. Many of these threats come from international actors, making it difficult for a single country to manage the investigation on its own.

Conclusion: The Persistent Challenge of Bomb Threats in Aviation

The bomb threat faced by Air India Express flight AXB684 highlights the ongoing challenges airlines and security agencies encounter in keeping air travel safe. While no explosive device was found on board, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, quick response, and international collaboration.

Whether driven by malice, disruption, or psychological warfare, bomb threats will continue to be a threat to global aviation. Strengthening security protocols, improving intelligence-sharing, and fostering cooperation between nations are all crucial steps in mitigating the impact of future bomb threats.