A boy gazes at Air India airline passenger aircraft parked at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. Reuters File Photo
Over 70 fake bomb threats have been reported against flights operated by various Indian airlines this week, according to Indian media on Sunday. These threats have caused widespread fear among passengers and led to global delays. Although all flights landed safely, the series of threats resulted in planes being diverted to Canada and Germany, and fighter jets being deployed to escort aircraft over Britain and Singapore.
India's government and civil aviation authorities have issued a stern warning, stating that 'very strict action' will be taken. New Delhi's civil aviation authorities have not disclosed the exact number of threats received in the past week, but the Times of India and broadcaster News18 reported more than 70 hoaxes targeting both domestic and international flights since October 13. At least 30 hoax threats were made on Saturday alone.
The global impact of these delays and diversions has been significant, affecting airline schedules and costs. At least one person, a minor, has been arrested in India, but the threats have persisted. 'All others responsible for the disruptions will be identified and duly prosecuted,' said India's aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu following the arrest on Wednesday.
A report in The Indian Express revealed that an anonymous account on X, formerly Twitter, was suspended after posting bomb threats to at least 40 flights on Friday and Saturday. This included both Indian and international airlines, such as those from the United States and New Zealand. 'There are bombs placed onboard... No one will make out alive. Hurry up and evacuate the plane,' read the identical messages from the suspended account, according to the newspaper.
Among the recent flights impacted was an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York, which had US security officials inspecting the plane after its safe landing on Saturday. Other affected flights include an Air India plane from New Delhi to Chicago, which was forced to make an emergency landing in the far northern Canadian city of Iqaluit on Tuesday. Canada's airforce had to transport the passengers.
On the same day, Singapore scrambled fighter jets to escort an Air India Express plane. On Thursday, British RAF fighter jets escorted an Air India Boeing 777-300 after a threat was made against the plane, which landed safely in London. On Friday, a Vistara flight from New Delhi to London had to divert to Frankfurt in Germany.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
