Hoax Bomb Threats on Indian Airlines: A Growing Concern

The Indian government has updated its Aircraft Security Rules to combat the rising number of false bomb threats targeting domestic airlines. This modification allows aviation authorities to place offenders on no-fly lists or remove them from aircraft, and prosecute them under severe aviation security violation provisions.

These changes follow a series of false bomb threats in November, causing significant delays and flight redirections. In two instances, military aircraft were deployed to escort Indian commercial flights during landing following bomb warnings.

Rising Incidents of False Bomb Threats

Official data reveals that between August 2022 and November 13, 2024, 1,143 false bomb threats were reported to domestic airlines, with a significant surge in 2024, accounting for 994 incidents. The amendment was necessary as the previous Safety of Civil Aviation Act (SUASCA) only addressed mid-flight offences.

Revised Threat Response Protocols

The government has also revised its threat response protocols after identifying patterns of anonymous social media accounts posting threats that were subsequently deleted. According to Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines, threatened aircraft had to land at the nearest airport for inspection. The revised approach allows flights to continue to their destinations if similar messages from a previously identified hoax source are received, reducing unnecessary diversions and associated costs.