100 bomb threats this week: Flight regulator works to find solution

Indian aviation authorities are actively addressing hoax bomb threats, with BCAS collaborating with airlines to enhance security protocols.

Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has stated that the aviation security regulator is working to find solid solutions for the continuous hoax bomb threats faced by Indian airlines.

Five hoax bomb threats were received by Spice Jet on Sunday.(PTI)

"This (hoax bomb threats) is something that is being looked into very seriously by the aviation regulator. They are working towards finding solid solutions," Asangba Chuba Ao told reporters on Sunday.

On Saturday, the aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), held a meeting with various airline CEOs to discuss ways to minimise disruptions from hoax bomb threats to flights.

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, BCAS Director General Zulfiquar Hasan confirmed that they are in coordination with concerned security agencies and airlines over the matter. He has assured that these hoax calls will be curbed down at the earliest as they are working on it.

Hasan emphasised that Indian skies are absolutely safe and urged the passengers to fly without fear.

"Indian skies are absolutely safe. The current protocol to deal with the situation is robust and is being strictly followed. We reassure passengers that they should fly without any fear and, in fact, fly even more," he told ANI. During a meeting with airline representatives, he said various things related to safety and security were discussed.

During the meeting, the representatives of airlines discussed issues they are facing due to the series of hoax bomb threats. They also said that the issues related to security during the festive season could lead to congestion at the airport.

BCAS officials assured the airline representatives that they were working with the concerned agencies to determine the root cause of the issue.

The back-to-back threats have placed a significant burden on the airlines, security forces, and passengers. And it is tough for all stakeholders in aviation security to maintain operational stability during festive time, the officials added.

Rising bomb threats

Earlier, Spice Jet and Air Asia flights received five bomb threats each, with multiple airlines receiving a total of 30 bomb threats in the last four days.

Five hoax bomb threats were received by Spice Jet regarding flights SG 55, SG 116, SG 211, SG 476, SG 2939. Five more were received by Air Asia regarding flights 9I 506, 9I 528, 9I 822, 9I 661, 9I 804.

According to official sources, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is in talks with the other concerned ministries to make required amendments to the existing laws to make them more stringent to deal with the cases of hoax bomb threats for flights.

The accused person will be put on a no-fly list, officials said.

The official said that a committee would be formed in consultation with the law ministry and Ministry of Home Affairs to prepare a draft to make amendments to the Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules, 1937 and subordinate legislation to ensure 5-year imprisonment as well as placing offenders on a no-fly list for hoax bomb threats for flights.