In a span of less than 24 hours, three separate flights received bomb threats, causing heightened security concerns for airlines. Among the affected flights was a Vistara flight (UK17) bound for London from Delhi, which was diverted to Frankfurt, Germany, due to a threat. Additionally, an Air India Express flight (IX 196) traveling from Jaipur to Dubai received a bomb threat, which was later confirmed to be a hoax. Similarly, an Akasa Air flight (QP 1366) scheduled to fly from Bengaluru to Mumbai was delayed following a bomb threat just before departure. Despite the serious nature of the threats, thorough checks of all aircraft found no explosives or suspicious items.
The Air India Express flight’s delay also caused disruptions for another flight (IX 195) from Jaipur to Dubai, which finally departed 1.5 hours late. The Vistara flight, after being diverted, continued its journey to London after the threat was deemed non-credible. Akasa Air’s flight was also delayed for several hours, as all passengers were deplaned and the aircraft underwent a security check before being cleared to fly.
These incidents form part of a larger wave of bomb threats affecting at least 35 flights since Monday, leading to stricter security measures by the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA is reportedly considering implementing policies such as placing hoax callers on a no-fly list for five years. Additionally, airlines have suggested recovering the financial losses caused by these threats from those responsible.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the issue, noting that initial investigations do not indicate a conspiracy. Instead, most of the calls seem to have been made by minors or pranksters. One 17-year-old was arrested in Mumbai after issuing threats to multiple flights, allegedly trying to frame a friend with whom he had a personal dispute. The minister emphasized that his department is considering rule changes and legislation to prevent future hoax bomb threats, ensuring stricter penalties for such pranks.
