Delhi: In a troubling trend, Indian airlines have been the target of multiple false bomb threats over the past week, creating chaos and leading to significant financial losses. On Saturday, October 19, officials from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) convened an urgent meeting with representatives from several airline companies in Delhi to address this growing crisis. The meeting, chaired by BCAS Director General Zulfiqar Hasan, focused on the mounting concerns over fake bomb threats that have disrupted over 70 flights in recent days, significantly increasing operational costs and causing widespread disruption.
On Saturday alone, more than 30 flights from major Indian airlines Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Vistara, SpiceJet, Star Air, and Alliance—received bomb threats, all of which were later confirmed to be hoaxes. These false alarms are not only a logistical nightmare but also result in skyrocketing expenses, as airlines are forced to divert flights, perform thorough security checks, and accommodate passengers, all of which lead to mounting losses.
Government’s Action Plan: No-Fly List and Stricter Rules
To combat the rise in fake bomb threats, the government is stepping in with a series of tough measures. The most notable proposal involves placing the perpetrators of false bomb threats on the no-fly list, a move designed to act as a deterrent and ensure the safety of passengers. At the meeting, Director General Zulfiqar Hasan reassured airline representatives that India’s airspace remains secure, emphasizing the robustness of the existing security protocols to handle such threats. The primary goal, he stated, is to protect passengers while minimizing disruptions caused by these hoaxes.
Losses Running into Crores
The financial impact of these fake threats has been staggering. According to reports, Indian airlines have incurred losses of around Rs 200 crore in just a week. Each bomb threat forces an aircraft to divert to the nearest airport, burning extra fuel and causing significant delays. Upon landing, planes undergo thorough re-checking, and passengers are often rebooked or provided accommodation, further adding to the cost. This sudden spike in fake alerts has placed an immense burden on airlines, which are grappling with operational disruptions and customer dissatisfaction.
Airlines Demand Immediate Action
During the meeting, airline representatives voiced their concerns over the increasing number of fake threats and the difficulties they face in managing the situation. Beyond the financial hit, these hoaxes undermine the confidence of passengers and disrupt smooth operations during the peak festive season. There is a growing demand for stricter penalties against those responsible for these malicious acts to curb the trend and restore normalcy to air travel.
The government, in collaboration with aviation security agencies and airlines, is expected to roll out new guidelines soon to mitigate such threats. Passengers can look forward to enhanced safety protocols as the authorities work to secure the skies and ensure that air travel remains a safe and hassle-free experience.
With over 70 fake bomb threats disrupting Indian skies in the past week alone, the aviation industry is now on high alert, determined to put an end to this alarming trend before it causes further damage.
