Bomb Threat Chaos: Aviation on Alert as Over 20 Flights Targeted in 24 Hours

Several bomb threats continue to hit multiple Indian carriers, leading to widespread diversions and emergency security checks. Over 70 threats have been made in the past five days, all of which turned out to be hoaxes, but the disruptions have raised serious concerns.

Indian Airlines Receive Over 20 Bomb Threats in a Day

In the last 24 hours, more than 20 bomb threats have been issued against flights operated by major Indian carriers, including IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India Express. Although the bomb threats have sparked panic among crew members no actual bombs have been found. 

Many bomb threats have been issued via email or on social media. 

Vistara Flight to London Diverted to Frankfurt

On Friday, Vistara flight UK17 from Delhi to London was forced to divert to Frankfurt following a bomb threat received on social media. The airline confirmed that the plane landed safely at Frankfurt airport, where security teams conducted a thorough inspection. 

Once cleared, the flight resumed its journey and landed in London safely later that evening. 

Two other Vistara flights, one to Paris and the other to Hong Kong, also received threats on Saturday but landed safely. 

Air India Express and IndiGo Flights Receive Multiple Threats

Air India Express flight IX-196, traveling from Dubai to Jaipur with 189 passengers on board, also faced a bomb threat via email. 

After landing safely in Jaipur, authorities conducted an extensive search, but nothing suspicious was found. 

Meanwhile, five IndiGo Airlines flights received similar threats, with some still mid-air as emergency procedures were implemented. Three flights landed safely, including 6E 17 from Mumbai to Istanbul and 6E 184 from Jodhpur to Delhi, where passengers disembarked without incident.

Akasa Air Reports Security Alerts Across Multiple Flights

Akasa Air also reported receiving bomb threats on several of its flights operating on October 19. The airline's emergency response teams are working closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of passengers and crews. Akasa has reassured travelers that all security protocols are being followed, and ground teams are prepared to handle any developments.

Authorities Investigate Over 70 Bomb Hoax Threats

On Wednesday, Mumbai Police detained a 17-year-old boy for issuing threats to four flights, allegedly to frame a friend following a personal dispute. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has confirmed that stricter regulations are being implemented to address the crisis.

“We want rules that can act as a deterrent…we want to set an example so that no one thinks of committing such mischievous acts,” said the MoCA official. 

“We are looking at what we can do at our end in terms of civil aviation regulations…our legal team is working on it and we are in touch with the law ministry as well. We are also talking to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) as internal security is under their purview. They are also looking at the cybersecurity part,” the MoCA official said.