Mumbai Police have apprehended a minor for issuing bomb threats to three flights, amid a spike in hoax threats targeting Indian airlines. Civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu confirmed the arrest on Wednesday and emphasized that all those responsible for such disruptions will face strict legal action. This incident has heightened concerns over aviation security, with several domestic and international operations disrupted by similar threats.

Naidu expressed his strong condemnation, calling these threats “a serious risk to the safety and operational integrity of the aviation sector.” He added that a high-level committee meeting was held on October 14 to address the situation, bringing together officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other key agencies.

The minister stressed that the government is closely monitoring the developments, assuring the public that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators. “Everyone involved in these disruptions will be identified and prosecuted,” Naidu stated, reaffirming that ensuring the safety of the aviation sector is a top priority.

 No-Fly List for Hoax Threats

In response to the rising number of threats, the BCAS has proposed adding individuals who issue hoax threats to the no-fly list, aiming to deter future incidents. Additionally, enhanced security protocols are being implemented across airports, including the deployment of more sky marshals on flights to reassure passengers.

Zulfiquar Hasan, Director-General of BCAS, assured travelers that Indian skies remain safe despite the recent challenges. “We are confident that those behind these threats will be identified, and we will take stringent legal action against them,” he stated. Hasan also noted that police teams across India are actively assisting in the investigations to prevent further disruptions.

 Airlines Demand Legal Action

The aviation industry is urging the government to take tougher measures against hoax threats, which have caused significant financial and operational damage. Air India, one of the most frequently targeted airlines, announced that it is exploring legal avenues to recover losses incurred from recent disruptions.
In one recent incident, a bomb threat forced an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago to make an unscheduled diversion to Iqaluit, a remote town in northern Canada. The scare caused considerable delays, leaving over 200 passengers stranded for hours.

Safe Passage for Stranded Passengers

The stranded passengers were eventually flown to Chicago with assistance from the Canadian Air Force. Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair confirmed the successful operation, stating, “We ensured the safe transfer of all passengers from Iqaluit to Chicago.”

This incident is among several that have disrupted the operations of Indian airlines in recent weeks. The aviation ministry has promised to implement additional security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

 Government Committed to Aviation Security

Naidu’s statement underscores the government’s resolve to tackle these security challenges. “The safety and security of our airlines are non-negotiable,” he said, promising that the authorities would leave no stone unturned in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

With the introduction of stricter security measures and potential legal repercussions for hoax threats, the aviation ministry aims to restore normalcy and reassure passengers that flying remains safe.