Airlines Hit by Surge in Hoax Bomb Threats, Government Plans Stricter Laws

Multiple airlines were targeted with hoax bomb threats on Saturday, prompting widespread security responses and heightened concern across India’s aviation sector. A total of ten bomb threats were reported, with five affecting SpiceJet and another five directed at AirAsia flights, according to official sources.

These incidents are part of a broader surge in bomb threats over the past few days, with airlines collectively receiving 30 threats. One of the affected carriers, Star Air, moved an aircraft to an isolation bay following a threat. After a thorough security check, passengers were safely allowed to proceed to the terminal.

IndiGo Airlines was also among those targeted, with a flight from Hyderabad to Chandigarh receiving a bomb threat. The airline released a statement confirming that all passengers had been safely evacuated and security protocols had been followed.

The rise in false bomb threats has prompted authorities to review security procedures and legal measures. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is coordinating with other ministries to implement stricter laws aimed at deterring such incidents, according to ministry officials. A senior official stated that individuals responsible for hoax bomb threats would be added to a no-fly list, preventing them from traveling by air in the future.

“The ministry is considering necessary amendments to the Aircraft Act of 1934 and the Aircraft Rules of 1937,” the official said, adding that the revisions would ensure tougher penalties for those found guilty of making hoax bomb threats. These amendments may include a mandatory five-year prison sentence for offenders, in addition to placement on the no-fly list.

The proposed legal reforms are being discussed in collaboration with the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Home Affairs. A committee is expected to be formed to draft changes to the legislation and relevant subordinate laws, with the goal of bolstering security and preventing further disruptions in the aviation sector.

This wave of hoax bomb threats has created significant alarm in the industry, with airlines and passengers alike expressing concern over the repeated disruptions. While no explosives have been found in any of the incidents so far, the threats have necessitated swift and thorough responses, including the evacuation of planes and heightened security measures across several airports.

As the aviation industry grapples with these ongoing threats, the government is under increasing pressure to implement stronger deterrents to prevent further disruptions and ensure the safety of passengers.