On Monday night, a wave of bomb threats targeted as many as 30 domestic and international flights operated by Indian airlines, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among travellers. Among the affected flights were three Jeddah-bound IndiGo planes, which were diverted to airports in Saudi Arabia and Qatar as a precautionary measure. The bomb threats targeted flights operated by major Indian carriers such as IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India. Sources familiar with the matter reported that these airlines had to take immediate action to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
Over the past week, the frequency of such incidents has increased significantly, with over 120 bomb threats targeting Indian carriers. IndiGo alone reported receiving ten bomb threats on Monday, affecting flights headed to both domestic and international destinations. A spokesperson for IndiGo confirmed that all passengers on the affected flights disembarked safely, and the airline followed established protocols to manage the situation. The spokesperson said, “All security-related alerts were promptly attended to, and our passengers were safely disembarked at their respective airports.”
The three Jeddah-bound flights that were diverted include flight 6E 77 from Bengaluru to Jeddah, which was redirected to Doha, flight 6E 65 from Kozhikode to Jeddah, which was diverted to Riyadh, and flight 6E 63 from Delhi to Jeddah, which landed in Medina. These Saudi Arabian cities—Jeddah, Riyadh, and Medina—are important hubs for travellers, and the diversions were deemed necessary to ensure passengers’ safety. Doha, the capital of Qatar, also played a crucial role as a safe destination for one of the diverted flights.
In addition to these diversions, other IndiGo flights that received bomb threats on Monday included flight 6E 83 from Delhi to Dammam, 6E 18 from Istanbul to Mumbai, 6E 12 from Istanbul to Delhi, 6E 164 from Mangaluru to Mumbai, 6E 75 from Ahmedabad to Jeddah, 6E 67 from Hyderabad to Jeddah, and 6E 118 from Lucknow to Pune. The airline took prompt action, and all affected flights were thoroughly inspected by security officials before being cleared for further operation.
Similarly, Air India confirmed that several of its flights received bomb threats on Monday. An Air India spokesperson noted that the threats were received via social media, and the airline took immediate action by alerting relevant authorities. “Following the laid down protocols, relevant authorities were immediately alerted, and all security procedures strictly adhered to, as per guidance from the regulatory authorities and security agencies,” the spokesperson said in a statement. However, Air India did not disclose the number or specific details of the affected flights.
Vistara also faced similar challenges on Monday, with several of its flights receiving security threats on social media. A Vistara spokesperson reiterated the airline’s commitment to passenger safety, stating, “We immediately alerted the relevant authorities and are following all security procedures as directed by them.” While specific details of the affected flights were not disclosed, the airline assured travellers that all necessary precautions were being taken.
Even though the bomb threats were ultimately deemed hoaxes, authorities emphasised the importance of taking such incidents seriously. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu stated on Monday that all bomb threats, regardless of their credibility, require a comprehensive response to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved. The minister said, “We cannot afford to treat these threats lightly, even if they turn out to be false. Safety is our top priority.”
In response to the recent surge in bomb threats, the government is now considering legislative actions to enhance its ability to deal with such situations. One proposed measure is to place individuals responsible for making bomb threats on the no-fly list, effectively banning them from future air travel. This move is part of a broader strategy to deter malicious actors and protect airline operations from disruptions.
Additionally, amendments are being proposed to The Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act (SUASCA), 1982. These amendments would empower law enforcement authorities to arrest individuals and initiate investigations without requiring a court order in cases where bomb threats are made while an aircraft is on the ground. This change aims to expedite the response process and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Further changes are being planned to strengthen aircraft security rules, with an emphasis on ensuring stringent punishments for those found guilty of making bomb threats. By imposing severe penalties, the government aims to deter potential offenders and safeguard the safety and security of airline passengers. The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for robust security measures in the aviation sector.
The aviation industry in India has seen rapid growth in recent years, and with that growth comes increased responsibility to ensure the safety of millions of travellers. The bomb threats experienced by IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India highlight the need for constant vigilance, cooperation between airlines and authorities, and swift action to prevent potential threats. While the threats on Monday night turned out to be false, the incident underscored the critical role of security agencies, airline staff, and regulatory bodies in ensuring passenger safety and maintaining public confidence in air travel.