An Air India Express flight from Dubai to Jaipur made an emergency landing in the early hours of Saturday following a bomb threat, which was later confirmed to be a hoax, officials reported, according to PTI.
The flight, carrying 189 passengers, touched down safely at Jaipur International Airport at 1:20 AM, following the emergency alert. Authorities at the airport immediately declared a state of emergency after receiving the bomb threat. A thorough search of the aircraft revealed no suspicious objects, an official said.
This incident marks the latest in a troubling wave of bomb threats received by airlines operating both domestic and international routes. More than 20 flights have been affected this week, resulting in diversions, rescheduled flights, and heightened security measures. All threats so far have been hoaxes, often received via social media, leaving security forces on high alert.
The police are currently investigating the source of the bomb threat.
At the same time, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is in discussions with other relevant ministries to revise existing laws, aiming to strengthen penalties for false bomb threats on flights, according to MoCA insiders, reported ANI.
A senior official from MoCA mentioned on Friday that individuals responsible for such threats will be added to a no-fly list.
As per the ANI report, the official also stated that a committee, involving the law ministry and Ministry of Home Affairs, will be established to draft amendments to the Aircraft Act of 1934, the Aircraft Rules of 1937, and related regulations. These changes will introduce a five-year imprisonment and no-fly list punishment for hoax bomb threats targeting flights.
(With inputs from agencies)