Airlines face surge in hoax bomb threats in India

India has witnessed a significant rise in hoax bomb threats targeting airlines, with a total of 994 reported threats up to November 13, 2024. The government has acknowledged robust protocols in place to manage such threats, ensuring passenger safety while dealing with these incidents. The rise in threats has raised concerns and prompted the Civil Aviation Ministry to consider amendments to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, and the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023. This comes in light of 1,143 total threats received between August 2022 and November 2024, indicating a growing problem that affects airline operations and necessitates a comprehensive approach to counter the menace. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has established protocols for responding to hoax threats. Each airport has a designated Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) that evaluates threats and directs appropriate responses. The impact of these hoax threats has been considerable, with operations of some flights affected due to the disruptions caused. To prevent such incidents and streamline security measures, BCAS has issued advisories to civil aviation installations across the country. The actions taken by the BCAS reflect a commitment to minimizing the impact of these threats, even if they are determined to be hoaxes. In response to the escalating threat landscape, the Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that the ministry is under consultation to amend existing laws to address these evolving threats effectively. However, he clarified that there are no plans to amend the Aircraft Act of 1934. The existing regulations impose severe penalties on individuals who communicate false information jeopardizing civil aviation safety, including potential life imprisonment and fines. The urgency to revise these laws stems from the increasing frequency of hoax calls and the need for a comprehensive response to safeguard airline operations and ensure passenger safety. Overall, the situation highlights the serious implications of hoax bomb threats on airline security, operational integrity, and public confidence in air travel. The government is taking proactive steps to address these challenges, but the persistence of such threats indicates that more rigorous measures may be necessary to deter potential offenders and protect civil aviation in India.