India’s Aviation Nightmare: Over 100 Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupt Flights!

India's aviation industry is currently grappling with a significant crisis as over 100 flights have received bomb threats, all determined to be hoaxes. These threats have primarily originated from social media and emails, with some even being left in lavatories. Major airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Vistara, SpiceJet, Star Air, and Alliance Air, have been affected by this alarming trend. In the latest incident, multiple flights were targeted, prompting airport authorities to take immediate action by directing the aircraft to isolated areas for thorough inspections. The Government of India has responded seriously to these threats, convening meetings between the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the CEOs of domestic airlines. Airlines have been instructed to adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures and to share all relevant information promptly with stakeholders. To combat these hoaxes, the government is proposing stringent measures, including new laws specifically targeting hoax callers, placing them on a no-fly list, and enforcing strict punishments. Additionally, over a dozen social media accounts that issued these bomb threats have been suspended and several suspects arrested. Aviation expert Vandana Singh noted that a staggering 30 hoax calls were reported on a single Saturday. In a related move, the government transferred DGCA Director General Vikram Dutt, appointing him as the new Coal Secretary. This unfolding situation highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures within India's aviation sector.