Bomb Threats Target 30 Flights from Indian Airlines
Incident Overview
In a concerning development, about 30 domestic and international flights operated by Indian airlines received bomb threats from Monday night until Tuesday afternoon, according to aviation sources. Major airlines, including Indigo, Vistara, and Air India, reported these threats, with varying details about the incidents.
Airline Responses
Vistara Airlines confirmed that its flights received security threats via social media on the night of October 21, 2024. A spokesperson for Vistara stated, “We immediately alerted the relevant authorities and are following all security procedures as directed by them. At Vistara, the safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft are of utmost importance.”
Similarly, Air India acknowledged that some of its flights were subjected to hoax security alerts. An official from Air India remarked, “Following the laid down protocols, relevant authorities were immediately alerted, and all security procedures strictly adhered to, as per guidance from the regulatory authorities and security agencies. All the flights have landed safely. The safety and security of our passengers, crew, and aircraft remain our top priority.”
Indigo also provided a statement indicating that they were closely collaborating with relevant authorities. The airline revealed that it received a security-related alert concerning nearly 10 flights, which included both domestic and international operations. Specific flights noted with bomb threats included several routes designated as 6E 164 (domestic), 6E 75 (international), 6E 118 (domestic), and multiple others bound for international destinations.
Flight Details
The flights that received bomb threats primarily involved routes to and from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Istanbul in Turkey. Indigo identified a range of flight numbers that were impacted, confirming the nature of the threat across its network.
Government Action
In response to the incidents, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced that the ministry has implemented additional checks at airports to enhance passenger safety without causing excessive inconvenience. He noted that the bomb threats were disseminated via a private network on social media, and agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs are actively working to identify the individuals responsible for these threats.
The minister emphasized that the perpetrators would be placed on a no-fly list to ensure safety in the aviation sector. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) remains in continuous coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the situation effectively.
