Wave of hoax bomb threats causes chaos for Indian airlines

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

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Indian air travel has been severely disrupted following a wave of hoax bomb threats targeting multiple airlines, leading to chaos and widespread concern. The most recent threat was made against a Vistara flight from Frankfurt to Mumbai via social media, forcing security agencies to take immediate action. Thankfully, the flight landed safely, but the rising panic among passengers and authorities continues to escalate.

Since Monday, at least 19 flights across various Indian airlines have been affected by these fake bomb scares, resulting in emergency landings, extended delays, and the involvement of international security agencies. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have all been impacted by these threats, causing severe operational disruptions.

In one alarming incident, fighter jets were deployed by Singapore to escort an Air India Express plane, while another Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was forced to make an emergency landing in Canada.

Indian authorities are taking swift action, with the arrest of a minor suspected of making several of the threats. "Very strict action will be taken against those responsible," warned Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, reiterating that passenger safety remains the top priority.

The motives behind the surge in hoax threats remain unclear, but the fallout is significant. Airlines are facing substantial financial losses due to disruptions, while passengers endure delays, diversions, and increased security measures.

India's Civil Aviation Ministry and security agencies are on high alert, with additional officers deployed on sensitive routes to prevent further incidents. As these hoaxes persist, passengers remain uneasy, and the aviation industry continues to grapple with the consequences of these malicious acts.