Around 7 flights each of IndiGo, Vistara and SpiceJet got the threats on Friday while 6 flights of Air India were also affected.
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Bomb Threats
In the past two weeks, close to 300 flights from different Indian airlines have been targeted with bomb threats. Fake messages spread on Friday caused approximately seven flights for IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet, as well as six Air India flights, to be disrupted. On Thursday, more than 70 flights, including international ones, were affected by similar threatening messages.
The continuous stream of threatening messages has caused concern among civil aviation stakeholders and led to disruptions in operations at many major airports during the last two weeks. Numerous travelers were also compelled to deal with long delays due to the alerts prompting authorities to carry out extensive inspections. Bomb threats in mid-air caused some planes to undergo emergency landings.
We are extremely worried following the recent false bomb threats that have caused disruptions in air travel. I guarantee you that prioritizing safety and security is our top concern, and we are dedicated to enforcing severe measures against those responsible for these harmful deeds. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu emphasized the need for collective efforts to guarantee safe skies for everyone during his statement on Friday evening.
Flight 6E 2099, which was flying from Udaipur to Delhi, was issued a bomb threat. In accordance with security agency protocols, the plane was redirected to an isolation bay prior to departure and standard procedures were adhered to. A spokesperson for IndiGo announced on Friday that all passengers were safely taken off the aircraft.
Friday 25 OCT
On Friday, threats were made to six additional IndiGo flights, including those connecting Indian cities with Istanbul and Jeddah. Multiple Spicejet, Air India, and Vistara planes also received the same alerts.
Earlier today, an unknown caller also made a bomb threat to Dumna airport in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. In certain instances, fake messages have also impacted the same route multiple times.
Unidentified individuals issued a second threat to detonate Indigo flight 6E133 traveling from Pune to Jodhpur on Wednesday. The aircraft touched down at the designated area in Jodhpur airport for isolation prior to being inspected by police and CISF authorities. A bomb disposal team and a team of dogs were also requested to come to the location. Officials stated that before the plane could depart for its next destination, the passengers’ baggage and every part of the aircraft were meticulously inspected.
Approximately 275 flights operated by different Indian airlines have been hit by a barrage of hoax bomb threats over the past 12 days. Most of the threats were issued via social media and the Indian government has asked Meta and X to share data about the messages.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu also indicated earlier this week that the government planned to take legislative actions to deal with instances of bomb threats to airlines, including placing perpetrators of such threats in the no-fly list.
The Government of India
The government of India has requested Meta and X social media platforms to provide information on fake bomb threats to airlines and has begun to identify the individuals responsible for these incidents, as over 80 flights were targeted on Thursday.
Insiders mentioned that the government has also requested cooperation from leading multinational technology companies to assist in identifying the perpetrators of such fake calls, stating that it is for the benefit of the public. The government of India has requested Meta and X social media platforms to provide information on fake bomb threats to airlines and has begun to identify the individuals responsible for these incidents, as over 80 flights were targeted on Thursday.
Insiders mentioned that the government has also requested cooperation from leading multinational technology companies to assist in identifying the perpetrators of such fake calls, stating that it is for the benefit of the public.
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