In a troubling wave of incidents, Indian airlines have faced a series of hoax bomb threats that have disrupted at least ten flights in just 48 hours. Air India, along with other carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, reported these threats, leading to significant delays and emergency landings. Notably, an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was forced to divert to a Canadian airport as a precaution, while another Air India Express plane en route to Singapore was escorted by fighter jets from the Singapore Air Force after a bomb threat was reported.
The sudden surge in threats remains a mystery, especially since hoaxes are not uncommon in India. Police have detained a teenager linked to one of the threats, while investigations continue into the others, some of which originated from social media posts. On Monday, three international flights from Mumbai were affected after a social media account made alarming claims, and another wave of threats on Tuesday prompted disruptions for multiple flights, including those operated by Air India.
Air India has committed to cooperating with authorities to track down those responsible for the threats, considering legal action for the damages incurred. At every Indian airport, Bomb Threat Assessment Committees are in place to evaluate threats, which often trigger extensive security protocols. This includes offloading passengers and baggage for thorough screenings, which can lead to costly delays and resource allocation for airlines and security agencies.
As investigations unfold, international authorities have also become involved. In Singapore, the Air India Express flight safely landed after the escort, while the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is looking into the threat that diverted the Chicago-bound flight. With the safety of passengers at stake and financial repercussions mounting, airlines and security teams are on high alert to prevent future incidents from causing further panic.
