More than 70 fake bomb threats have been made against flights operated by multiple Indian airlines in the past week, sparking widespread fear among passengers and causing significant global delays. Among the airlines affected are IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, and Akasa Air, including some international routes. Indian media reported on Sunday that while all the affected flights landed safely, the wave of hoaxes has led to diversions and emergency landings in Canada, Germany, the UK, and Singapore, with fighter jets scrambled in some cases to escort the aircraft. Total 18 flights receive threat calls in the last 24 hours, tally touches 100 in the past week
The Indian government and civil aviation authorities have vowed to take “very strict action” against those responsible for the disruptions. However, New Delhi’s aviation officials have not confirmed the exact number of threats received since October 13. Reports from the Times of India and News18 indicate that over 70 bomb threats have targeted both domestic and international flights, with at least 30 threats made on Saturday alone.
The threats have caused massive delays, affecting airline schedules and increasing costs globally. Despite the arrest of a minor in India earlier this week, the hoaxes have continued.
India’s aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, confirmed after the arrest on Wednesday that authorities are determined to identify and prosecute all those responsible for the disruptions. “All others responsible for the disruptions will be identified and duly prosecuted,” Naidu stated.
According to The Indian Express, an anonymous account on X (formerly Twitter) was suspended after posting bomb threats against at least 40 flights on Friday and Saturday, including those operated by both Indian and international airlines, such as those from the United States and New Zealand. The identical messages warned, “There are bombs placed onboard… No one will make it out alive. Hurry up and evacuate the plane.”
Several high-profile flights were impacted by the hoaxes, including an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York, which was thoroughly swept by U.S. security officials after its safe landing on Saturday. On Tuesday, an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit, Canada, with the passengers later flown out by the Canadian air force.
Other incidents included fighter jets from Singapore being scrambled to escort an Air India Express flight, and British RAF jets escorting an Air India Boeing 777-300 into London on Thursday after a threat was made. On Friday, a Vistara flight from New Delhi to London was diverted to Frankfurt, Germany, following another bomb threat.
The series of hoaxes has triggered heightened security measures and is under ongoing investigation as aviation authorities across the world respond to the disruption.
Key Points:
- Over 70 Bomb Threat Hoaxes:
More than 70 fake bomb threats have been made against Indian airlines since October 13, affecting both domestic and international flights. - Global Impact:
The threats have led to flight diversions and emergency landings in Canada, Germany, the UK, and Singapore. Fighter jets were scrambled in some cases to escort aircraft safely. - Massive Disruptions:
These hoaxes have caused widespread delays, impacting airline schedules and increasing operational costs globally. - Indian Authorities Respond:
India’s government and civil aviation authorities have vowed “very strict action,” with one minor arrested. The aviation minister promised to prosecute all responsible parties. - Social Media Involvement:
An anonymous account on X (formerly Twitter) was suspended after posting bomb threats targeting at least 40 flights, including those operated by airlines from the U.S. and New Zealand. - Notable Flights Affected:
Impacted flights include an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York, which was swept by U.S. security, and another from New Delhi to Chicago that made an emergency landing in Canada.
