On Tuesday, a concerning incident unfolded as five Indian flights were grounded following a series of bomb threat calls, which were later determined to be hoaxes. The specific flights affected included an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago, an Air India Express flight traveling from Jaipur to Bengaluru, an IndiGo flight from Dammam to Lucknow, a SpiceJet flight operating between Darbhanga and Mumbai, and an Akasa Air flight journeying from Siliguri to Bengaluru. This alarming situation prompted an immediate and coordinated response from security agencies across multiple airports, who swiftly initiated counter-terrorism drills to safeguard the passengers and crew aboard these flights.
According to official sources, the bomb threats originated from an unidentified X (formerly Twitter) handle that specifically targeted four flights: the Air India Express flight IX765, which was on a route from Jaipur to Bengaluru via Ayodhya; the SpiceJet flight SG116 from Darbhanga to Mumbai; the Akasa Air flight QP 1373, traveling from Siliguri to Bengaluru; and the Air India flight AI 127 from Delhi to Chicago. In light of these threats, heightened security measures were implemented across all affected flights to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The Air India Express aircraft was subjected to an extensive security check upon landing at Ayodhya airport. Meanwhile, both the SpiceJet and Akasa Air flights were able to safely land at their intended destinations without incident. However, the Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Canada for additional security assessments, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities treat any threats to aviation safety.
Sources within aviation security have indicated that precautionary measures were adopted in all cases, underscoring the industry’s preparedness to effectively manage potential threats. The X handle responsible for these bomb threats had tagged both the airline and police accounts in their posts, falsely claiming that bombs had been placed on the respective aircraft.
This incident was particularly concerning as it followed a similar occurrence on the previous day, Monday when four different X handles issued bomb threats concerning three international flights originating from Mumbai. After thorough investigations, involving collaboration between security and intelligence agencies, as well as the cooperation of airlines and airport operators, those threats were ultimately declared hoaxes.
In light of these unsettling events, officials from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) have stated that they are actively collaborating with Indian cyber-security agencies and law enforcement to identify the individuals or groups responsible for these threats. The ongoing investigation aims not only to apprehend those behind the threats but also to enhance safety protocols and procedures, ensuring that such incidents are mitigated in the future. This commitment to aviation security is paramount, especially in an era where threats can be communicated rapidly and anonymously through digital platforms.
As travelers remain vigilant and anxious about air travel safety, these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust security measures within the aviation industry. Authorities are focused on maintaining the integrity of aviation security, working diligently to restore confidence among passengers and ensure that the skies remain safe for all. In the aftermath of these hoax threats, airlines and security agencies are likely to reassess and strengthen their protocols, reinforcing their commitment to passenger safety and security in an ever-evolving landscape of threats.
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