In a significant escalation of security concerns, the Indian aviation sector has been on high alert following a disturbing surge of bomb threats that have disrupted the operations of multiple airlines. Over the past ten days, more than 250 flights have been impacted by such threats, causing widespread delays, heightened security checks, and panic among passengers. On Thursday alone, 95 flights across various airlines—Akasa Air, IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air—received fresh bomb threats. These latest threats targeted 25 Akasa Air flights and 20 each from Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara, while five flights each from SpiceJet and Alliance Air were also affected.
The recurring threats, which are believed to originate largely from social media platforms, have been confirmed as hoaxes so far. However, they have severely disrupted air travel across the country, with both domestic and international flights impacted. The bomb threats have created logistical challenges for aviation authorities, security agencies, and paramilitary forces responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers. These incidents come at a time when air travel is peaking due to the festive season, further amplifying the stress on the aviation system.
In response to this alarming trend, the Indian government is considering a set of stringent measures aimed at curbing the surge in hoax bomb threats. One of the key proposals is the introduction of a no-fly list for individuals responsible for making these false threats. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that the government intends to classify hoax bomb threats as a cognizable offense, which would allow for more severe legal consequences, including the permanent banning of those responsible from flying.
Naidu emphasized that the government is treating the situation with utmost seriousness. He reassured the public that all necessary safety protocols are being rigorously followed to ensure that Indian skies remain secure. While many of the threats have been traced to anonymous social media accounts, the authorities are working to uncover the identities of the individuals or groups behind these incidents. The Delhi Police has already registered eight cases related to the threats, which were predominantly issued through anonymous posts on X (formerly Twitter). These accounts have since been suspended by the platform, but the investigation is ongoing.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) convened a high-level meeting with the CEOs and top representatives from various airlines in Delhi on October 19 to discuss the growing threat of bomb hoaxes and to strategize enhanced security measures. During the meeting, the aviation sector’s readiness to deal with such threats was evaluated, and new protocols were discussed to mitigate future risks and disruptions. The government is also putting pressure on social media platforms like X to take greater responsibility in preventing the spread of such harmful content. Officials have expressed frustration at the role these platforms play in enabling hoax threats, with some going as far as to accuse them of "abetting crime" by not taking swift enough action.
Minister Naidu also addressed questions about whether these threats could be part of a larger conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Indian air travel during the busy festive season. He urged caution, stating that the investigation is still in its early stages and no definitive conclusions can be drawn yet. However, the possibility that these threats are intended to cause mass disruption or serve a broader agenda has not been ruled out. Intelligence agencies are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the origin of the threats and any potential links to foreign actors or organized crime networks. The complexity of the situation is compounded by the fact that many of the IP addresses associated with these threats point to foreign locations, raising concerns about the use of VPNs to obscure the true source of the threats.
Naidu also noted that while the loudest voices on social media are often those making the threats, the majority of the Indian diaspora and passengers simply want to travel peacefully without interference. He acknowledged the fear and inconvenience caused to passengers and promised that the government is doing everything in its power to restore calm and confidence in air travel.
As investigations continue, the aviation sector is expected to implement heightened security protocols, particularly at major airports and for flights flagged by intelligence agencies. Additional checks and safety measures may lead to longer wait times for passengers, but these precautions are necessary to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
The timing of these hoaxes, coinciding with one of the busiest travel periods in India, has heightened concerns within the government and aviation industry. There is growing speculation that the individuals behind the hoaxes may be deliberately targeting this period of increased air traffic to maximize disruption. Minister Naidu has urged travelers to remain patient and cooperate with security personnel, emphasizing that passenger safety is the top priority. As the government moves to tighten laws around hoax threats and works closely with airlines to manage the situation, the public is being assured that robust measures are in place to prevent any real danger.
