In a troubling series of incidents involving false bomb threats in aviation, several airlines faced threats affecting 30 flights from Monday to Tuesday morning, primarily on international routes. These events, driven by numerous false calls, escalated to over 120 threats in just a week, causing significant disruptions and concerns for both airlines and passengers.
Flights Targeted with False Calls
Multiple flights received bomb threat alerts, prompting airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India to act swiftly. The threats targeted high-traffic international routes, including Jeddah, Istanbul, and Riyadh, creating panic and inconvenience for passengers. However, airlines reassured passengers that safety remains their top priority.
For example, IndiGo Flight 6E 164, traveling from Mangaluru to Mumbai, received a bomb threat, leading to an immediate evacuation of passengers and rigorous security checks. Similarly, Flight 6E 75 from Ahmedabad to Jeddah was directed to an isolation bay upon landing, where authorities safely evacuated all passengers. This meticulous process followed for all affected flights ensured that protocols were executed effectively.
Major Destinations Affected by Threats
Several flights en route to major cities raised concerns about the security of high-demand international destinations. The following flights faced threats:
- 6E 118 (Lucknow to Pune)
- 6E 67 (Hyderabad to Jeddah)
- 6E 18 (Istanbul to Mumbai)
- 6E 83 (Delhi to Dammam)
- 6E 77 (Bengaluru to Jeddah, diverted to Doha)
- 6E 12 (Istanbul to Delhi)
- 6E 65 (Kozhikode to Jeddah, diverted to Riyadh)
- 6E 63 (Delhi to Jeddah, diverted to Medina)
Passengers on these flights experienced safe evacuations, and authorities performed thorough checks to confirm the threats were false. Despite these alerts, the incidents sparked legitimate concerns about air travel safety, especially on international routes.
The Growing Problem of False Calls
This surge in false calls significantly disrupted flight operations. On October 19 alone, over 30 flights across various carriers—including Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and more—received similar bomb threat messages. The constant stream of threats placed immense pressure on airlines, airports, and security forces, as they worked to ensure passenger safety while minimizing flight delays.
In response, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) held a meeting on October 19 with the CEOs and representatives of major airlines to address the issue. They recognized the need for a collaborative approach to combat these disruptions.
Aviation Security and Response
Given the increasing false calls, the Indian government is enhancing its measures. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced plans to make false bomb threat calls a cognizable offense, reflecting the situation’s severity. Stricter penalties and improved legal frameworks aim to deter individuals from making threats that cause widespread panic and economic losses.
Airlines assured passengers that they are taking every precaution to ensure safety, even as false calls continue. IndiGo, one of the most affected carriers, expressed regret for the inconvenience caused but emphasized that their priority remains the safety and security of everyone onboard.
Why False Threats are Dangerous
Although the immediate danger posed by false calls may seem minimal once verified, the broader implications are serious. Each threat triggers a complex response, including evacuation, rerouting, security checks, and investigations. This response results in delayed flights, missed connections, and financial losses for both airlines and passengers. Moreover, the continuous barrage of false alerts diverts security resources from genuine threats.
Conclusion: A Call for Stronger Measures
As airlines and security agencies work tirelessly to handle these false threats, a stricter approach is necessary to curb disruptive behavior. The aviation industry, passengers, and authorities must collaborate to ensure safe and secure skies. With over 120 false calls reported this week alone, balancing swift action with maintaining public confidence in air travel presents a significant challenge.
The aviation industry remains resilient, but the increasing frequency of these threats highlights the need for continued vigilance and strong legal action. The situation remains fluid, but with cooperation among airlines, passengers, and law enforcement, the skies can stay safe.
