In a disturbing incident, multiple IndiGo flights faced a bomb threat, leading to heightened security measures at Visakhapatnam Airport. This alarming situation unfolded when flight 6E917, scheduled to depart from Chennai and land in Visakhapatnam, was placed in isolation due to the threat.
Details of the Bomb Threat Incident
The bomb threat emerged on Tuesday when the station manager of IndiGo Airlines alerted authorities after receiving a concerning tweet from an account named AdamLanza202. The warning specifically targeted several IndiGo flights, including the crucial 6E917, which was set to depart Chennai at 3:55 PM and arrive in Visakhapatnam by 5:10 PM.
Upon receiving the threat, all affected flights were promptly moved to an isolation bay, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members onboard. This decisive action underscored the urgency with which the airline and airport security responded to the alarming message.
Previous Threats and Ongoing Investigations
This incident follows a series of threats that surfaced earlier in the week. On Monday, IndiGo Airlines, along with Air India and Vistara, received messages from an account identifying itself as “@Mandaimassacre.” The threats warned of bombs onboard specific flights, claiming that “many lives will be lost today.”
Fortunately, thorough investigations later confirmed these threats to be hoaxes, according to officials at the Sahar police station. In response, Mumbai police have filed a case against the unidentified perpetrator responsible for these threats. Notably, this incident is part of a troubling trend, with 14 FIRs lodged this month alone concerning bomb threats targeting airlines between October 14 and October 28. Among these cases, one resulted in the arrest of a 17-year-old student from Chhattisgarh.
Escalating Hoax Bomb Threats Across Indian Airlines
The pattern of bomb threats continued to escalate, with over 100 flights operated by Indian airlines receiving similar threats on the same day. In total, more than 510 domestic and international flights have faced hoax threats over the past 16 days, primarily propagated via social media. This surge in threats has sparked serious concerns about aviation security.
An airline spokesperson stated, “Following established protocols, relevant authorities were immediately notified, and all security measures were strictly followed in accordance with regulatory guidance.” This commitment to safety reflects the aviation industry’s dedication to maintaining passenger security amid growing threats.
Legal Actions and Legislative Measures
The Mumbai police have taken action by registering cases against the unidentified individuals behind the bomb threats. As the situation escalates, the Ministry of Information Technology has directed social media platforms to take swift action against misinformation and hoaxes, urging them to remove or disable access to such content as per IT regulations.
Additionally, the civil aviation ministry is contemplating legislative measures to combat the increasing number of hoax bomb threats targeting airlines. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced on Sunday that the government is considering banning individuals who issue false bomb threats from flying altogether. This proposed measure aims to deter potential offenders and safeguard the integrity of air travel.
Recent Arrests Related to Bomb Threats
The ongoing investigation into bomb threats has resulted in recent arrests. On Saturday, Delhi Police apprehended a 25-year-old man from Uttam Nagar for allegedly sending two bomb threats to airlines. The police, already on high alert due to the frequency of hoax messages, acted quickly by registering a case under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation (SUA-SCA) Act and criminal intimidation charges.
Conclusion: Ensuring Aviation Safety Amidst Threats
The alarming increase in bomb threats directed at Indian airlines has raised significant concerns about aviation safety. While authorities have confirmed many of these threats to be hoaxes, the frequency of incidents calls for stricter measures and heightened awareness. As the civil aviation sector grapples with this challenge, enhanced security protocols and legislative actions may be necessary to protect passengers and ensure safe air travel in the future.
The collaborative efforts of airlines, law enforcement, and regulatory bodies will be crucial in addressing these threats and maintaining public confidence in air travel safety.
