A staggering rise in hoax bomb threats in India has resulted in widespread disruptions for airlines and airports, with 999 threats reported in 2023 alone. Authorities are identifying the spike as unprecedented and have initiated investigations as international protocols become involved in safeguarding air travel.
Surge in Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupts Indian Aviation Services
Surge in Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupts Indian Aviation Services
Nearly 1,000 hoax bomb threats this year have led to significant disruptions in India's aviation sector, raising security concerns and operational challenges.
In recent weeks, Indian airlines and airports have found themselves under siege from a dramatic increase in hoax bomb threats, with the nation reporting a total of 999 threats thus far in 2023, as revealed by the country’s deputy civil aviation minister, Murlidhar Mohol. This alarming figure, as of November 14, equates to nearly ten times the number recorded in the preceding year, underscoring a concerning trend that has wreaked havoc on flight schedules and passenger wellbeing.
Highlighting the issue, over 500 of these hoax threats emerged in the last two weeks of October alone, greatly exacerbating operational challenges at airports across the country. Despite the chaos caused, Mr. Mohol confirmed that none of the threats led to actual danger, with law enforcement registering 256 complaints and apprehending 12 individuals in relation to the hoaxes.
Historically, the period between 2014 and 2017 saw authorities handle only 120 bomb hoax alerts at airports, predominantly targeting Delhi and Mumbai, the nation's busiest hubs. However, the alarming surge in threats this October has not only impacted domestic operations but has also prompted international security measures. Instances such as the escort of an Air India Express flight by Singapore’s Air Force due to bomb threats, as well as a forced landing of another Air India flight in Canada, illustrate the far-reaching implications of this distressing development.
In response, India's civil aviation ministry has committed to intensifying safety measures aimed at ensuring the continuity of air operations. The existing Bomb Threat Assessment Committee plays a crucial role in evaluating threats, which can lead to thorough screening and involvement of bomb disposal teams, ambulances, and law enforcement.
The repercussions of such threats extend well beyond immediate delays; they can incur significant financial losses for airlines and security agencies. With over 150 million passengers traveling domestically in India last year and thousands of flights operating daily from more than 150 airports, the aviation sector is under pressure to maintain both safety and efficiency, especially amid this unprecedented spike in hoax threats.
