At least seven more flights got hoax bomb threats on Wednesday, taking the number of such cases to nearly 20 in the past three days. Bomb threats were received by four IndiGo flights, two SpiceJet flights and one flight of Akasa Air today.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing all cases of bomb threats against airlines and the government is closely monitoring the situation,
Against the backdrop of at least 19 flights operated by Indian carriers receiving bomb threats in three days that later turned out to be hoax, he also said the Mumbai police have arrested a minor responsible for issuing bomb threats targeting three flights.
“All others responsible for the disruptions will be identified and duly prosecuted,” the minister said in a statement as he expressed deep concern over the recent disruptive acts targeting the airlines.
Strongly condemn the recent bomb threats to Indian air carriers. We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that every necessary measures are taken against such actions. We are Committed in maintaining the highest security standards and passenger safety remains our… pic.twitter.com/9r4UKELGls
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) October 16, 2024
Condemning any attempt to compromise the safety, security and operational integrity of the aviation sector, Naidu also said that he is monitoring the situation regularly.
On Monday, Naidu chaired a high-level meeting that was attended by officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Ministry of Home Affairs and Civil Aviation.
“I assure all the stakeholders, including passengers and industry partners, that every possible effort is being made to safeguard the operations.
“We are committed to enhancing security measures and maintaining seamless coordination with global security agencies,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, a high-level meeting was held on Wednesday where officials of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Intelligence Bureau and the Ministry of Home Affairs were present.
According to sources, CISF and other agencies have started working on a SOP for better coordination to handle such situations. The BCAS has proposed that those making hoax bomb calls be put on the no flyers list.
Delhi Police Registers FIR, Begins Probe in 8 Hoax Threats to Flights
The Delhi Police has registered an FIR in connection with bomb threats to several domestic and international flights in the last two days and launched a probe into the matter, official sources said on Wednesday.
