The Civil Aviation Ministry is preparing to amend existing laws to address the growing issue of bomb hoaxes on flights, which have disrupted operations and raised security concerns. A senior official stated that these incidents are being taken very seriously, as they pose significant risks to public safety and the aviation sector. The proposed changes aim to enforce stricter penalties and improve deterrence.
The domestic airlines experienced relief after a series of bomb hoaxes disrupted operations and impacted thousands of employees over four days, from October 14 to 17. During this period, at least 33 international and domestic flights received bomb threats via social media, resulting in flight diversions and even the scrambling of fighter jets in Singapore and London.
According to sources, the Civil Aviation Ministry is in discussions with the Home Ministry and the Law Ministry to find ways to curb the rising issue of bomb hoaxes, including potential amendments to regulations for stricter enforcement.
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The ministry is considering introducing strict measures, such as adding perpetrators to the no-fly list, according to sources.
On Thursday, Civil Aviation Minister Naidu stated,
“We are seriously looking into amending civil aviation regulations to ensure strict action in such cases. We are taking things seriously… we will take action.”
The minister also noted that many of these threats were made by minors and pranksters, calling them “minor and isolated incidents.”
Since Monday, approximately 10 social media accounts, mostly on X, have been suspended or blocked after hoax bomb and terrorist threats were sent to various Indian airlines for both domestic and international flights.
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Mumbai Police detained a minor involved in three bomb threats on October 14 and has registered seven FIRs related to the incidents.
This move aligns with international efforts to bolster aviation security in light of increasing threats globally. Many countries have already adopted stringent measures against hoaxes, recognizing the disruptive and dangerous potential of such incidents.
By tightening laws and enforcing stricter penalties, the Civil Aviation Ministry hopes to create a safer environment for air travel. This is crucial for restoring public confidence in air travel and ensuring that passenger safety remains a top priority amidst the evolving threat landscape.
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