In recent weeks, an alarming spike in hoax bomb threats has troubled the Indian airline industry. In just the last two weeks, over 510 domestic and international flights across leading airlines were grounded and diverted, resulting in potential losses. Just on Tuesday, more than 100 flights were disrupted, with the greatest impact felt by IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara.
Despite being hoaxes, the threats caused significant flight delays and financial losses for airlines, estimated at ₹13-17 lakh per hour, with average disruption costs of ₹1.5 crore per domestic flight, escalating further for larger aircraft and international routes.
This series of hoax threats not only affects the airlines but also poses significant financial consequences across the entire aviation ecosystem. The direct costs incurred by airlines for fuel, airport fees, and crew time are steep. However, the indirect repercussions, such as delayed connections and rebooking for disrupted passengers, further strain airline resources.
The recent spike in bomb threats has stretched airport security resources to the limit, as each warning demands stringent checks and protocols. Planes are diverted to isolated bays, passengers are re-screened, and cargo is thoroughly inspected. Such measures, though essential for safety, create cascading delays across airports, affecting thousands of travellers.
Security agencies now face the critical task of investigating each threat, many of which are traced to anonymous posts on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). This reliance on digital platforms for issuing threats has exposed a new, complex dimension in aviation security management.
The relentless nature of these threats has prompted the Indian civil aviation authorities and government officials to consider tougher penalties for individuals responsible for hoax calls. The Civil Aviation Minister has indicated the possibility of introducing legal provisions that could place perpetrators on a no-fly list, effectively barring them from future air travel.
In a bid to mitigate the spread of misinformation, the Ministry of Information Technology has instructed social media platforms like X and Meta to comply more rigorously with regulations to promptly remove or block access to such content. Furthermore, police departments across several states have initiated FIRs, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the sources of these bomb threats.
For instance, Mumbai Police has lodged multiple complaints related to threats made against IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara flights, underscoring a zero-tolerance approach toward such acts of intimidation.
The recent wave of hoax bomb threats against Indian airlines highlights the urgent need for new technology and stronger laws in aviation security. Given the rapid spread of misinformation on social media, there is a pressing need for collaboration between government agencies, social media platforms, and aviation authorities to create a real-time threat detection and mitigation system.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.
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