Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced on Monday that making hoax bomb threat calls to airlines will now be classified as a cognizable offense, marking a decisive step by the government to combat the growing menace of fake threats disrupting the aviation industry. In the wake of a surge in hoax bomb threats received by multiple airlines in the past few days, this move aims to deter individuals from engaging in such malicious activities and to safeguard the safety and operational efficiency of flights across the country.
The minister stressed that the government is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness, as hoax bomb calls have caused significant disruptions to flight schedules, leading to panic among passengers and unnecessary security measures. Over 75 hoax threats were reported, targeting various airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Vistara, SpiceJet, Star Air, and Alliance Air. The threats were received through various channels, including messages found in airplane lavatories and posts on social media platforms, which forced airlines to delay or cancel flights while thorough security checks were conducted. On just one day, more than 30 flights had to contend with such threats, leaving passengers stranded and flight operations in disarray.
Naidu highlighted the gravity of the situation and the need for stricter measures to address it. "We have held multiple high-level meetings to assess the situation and concluded that amendments to our current laws are essential to deal with such offenses more effectively," he said during a press conference. The minister revealed that the government is working on amending the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation Act, which will allow authorities to treat hoax bomb threats as a cognizable offense. This will empower law enforcement to take swift action against those responsible, including arrest without a warrant and other immediate legal actions.
In addition to tightening legal measures, the government will also implement a no-fly list for individuals involved in making such threats. "Once the perpetrators are identified and apprehended, they will be placed on the no-fly list, effectively barring them from traveling with any airline in India," Naidu explained. This step is aimed at not only punishing those who engage in such activities but also serving as a strong deterrent to others who might consider making hoax bomb threats in the future.
Naidu also mentioned that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is in close coordination with other ministries and security agencies to enhance the overall framework of aviation security in the country. "We are in consultation with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Law, to ensure that the necessary amendments to the law are made in a timely manner," he said. The proposed changes will include updates to Aircraft Security Rules to improve the overall preparedness and response to such incidents.
Investigations into the recent spate of hoax bomb threats are ongoing, and law enforcement agencies have already made some progress in identifying the individuals responsible. One 17-year-old boy from Chhattisgarh was arrested for his involvement in several threats, and police are working to trace the origins of other hoax messages. Common phrases used in the threats, such as "bombs," "explosive devices," and "blood will spread everywhere," have raised the alarm, and officials are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. However, many of the threats remain under investigation, and authorities are intensifying their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In response to the rising number of threats, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) held an emergency meeting with airline CEOs and representatives in New Delhi on Saturday. During the meeting, BCAS emphasized the importance of maintaining robust security measures to prevent hoax threats from causing further disruptions. Airlines have been asked to enhance their security protocols, including increasing vigilance during boarding and while flights are in operation, as well as coordinating more closely with security agencies.
Minister Naidu assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of passengers and flight operations. He expressed confidence that the new legal measures, combined with the efforts of law enforcement and security agencies, will help mitigate the risk posed by hoax bomb threats and restore confidence in air travel. "We will not allow a handful of individuals to disrupt the functioning of our aviation sector or cause distress to the traveling public. The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority," Naidu concluded.
The aviation industry, already grappling with the challenges posed by increased demand and post-pandemic recovery, is now faced with the additional burden of addressing these security concerns. The government’s response, through legal amendments and enhanced security protocols, underscores its resolve to tackle the issue head-on and prevent further disruptions caused by hoax threats. As the investigation continues and the new measures are implemented, authorities hope to bring an end to the wave of hoax threats and ensure the smooth operation of flights across the country.
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