Fake bomb threats cause panic among Indian airlines

At least 19 Indian flights have received hoax bomb threats since Monday, leading to lengthy delays and diversions.

On Wednesday, an Air Akasa flight bound for Bengaluru was diverted to the capital Delhi after a bomb threat.

On Tuesday, the Singapore Air Force sent two fighter jets to escort an Air India Express plane after a bomb threat.

Hours earlier, an Air India plane from Delhi to Chicago had to land at the Canadian airport as a precautionary measure.

IndiGo and SpiceJet are also among the affected airlines.

Fake bomb threats against airlines are not unusual in India but it is unclear what caused the sudden increase since Monday.

On Wednesday, India’s Civil Aviation Minister said the ministry was closely monitoring the situation and making “all possible efforts” to protect flight operations.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest security standards and passenger safety remains our top priority,” Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in a statement on X.

News agency ANI quoted a senior official of the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying that many security personnel will be deployed on “sensitive routes” but there has been no official confirmation from the government about this.

Officials from the government’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Security Department did not respond to BBC emails requesting comment.

On Monday, three international flights taking off from Mumbai were diverted or delayed after a company that handles X (formerly Twitter) posted threats. Police arrested a teenager in connection with this incident.

On Tuesday, seven flights, including two Air India planes, were affected by threats from another now-suspended X. Screenshots of some posts show users tagging airlines, local police and mentioning flight numbers.

Air India said in a declare that it is cooperating with authorities to identify those behind the threats and will consider legal action to remedy the damages incurred.

Every Indian airport has a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee to assess the severity of the threat and take appropriate action. A threat could result in the involvement of bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs, ambulances, police and doctors.

Passengers can disembark with their carry-on baggage, checked baggage and cargo, all of which are re-inspected. Technical and security teams also searched the plane before it was allowed to fly again.

Delays can cost airlines and security agencies thousands of dollars.

For flights to other countries, this could also involve international agencies, as in Singapore and Canada.

On Tuesday, Singapore’s Defense Minister said two of the country’s fighter jets “sorted out and escorted” the Air India Express plane away from the populated area before it landed safely. Arrive at Changi airport. The plane was flying from Madurai in India to Singapore.

Ng Eng Hen wrote: “After landing, the plane was handed over to the Airport Police. Investigations are ongoing.”

The plane then landed safely at Changi.

In Canada – where an Air India flight to Chicago landed at Iqaluit airport as a precautionary measure – Royal Canadian Mounted Police speak it is investigating the threat.

Air India said Wednesday that a Canadian Air Force plane was carrying passengers to Chicago. It is still unclear when Air India planes will be allowed to take off.

Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, TwitterAnd Facebook.