The wave of bomb threats targeting Indian airlines persisted on Tuesday, with IndiGo confirming that 23 of its flights, both domestic and international, had received fresh threats between Monday night and Tuesday evening. The affected flights include 6E-63 Delhi-Jeddah, 6E-12 Istanbul-Delhi, 6E-83 Delhi-Dammam, 6E-65 Kozhikode-Jeddah, 6E-67 Hyderabad-Jeddah, 6E-77 Bengaluru-Jeddah, 6E-18 Istanbul-Mumbai, 6E-164 Mangalore-Mumbai, 6E-118 Lucknow-Pune, and 6E-75 Ahmedabad-Jeddah, the airline reported.

“At IndiGo, the safety of our customers and crew remains paramount in all facets of our operations. We worked closely with the relevant authorities, and standard operating procedures were followed. We sincerely regret any inconvenience it may have caused our customers and appreciate their understanding,” the airline said.

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Vistara, Air India and Akasa Air flights also receive bomb threats

In addition to IndiGo, Vistara, Air India and Akasa Air flights also received security alerts between Monday and Tuesday, leading to extensive security checks at airports and on board the affected flights. 

“We confirm that a few of Vistara’s flights operating on 21 October 2024 received security threats on social media. We immediately alerted the relevant authorities and are following all security procedures as directed by them. At Vistara, the safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft are of utmost importance,” the Vistara spokesperson said.

“We confirm that some Air India flights were subject to hoax security alerts received on social media on 21 October 2024.Following the laid down protocols, relevant authorities were immediately alerted, and all security procedures strictly adhered to, as per guidance from the regulatory authorities and security agencies. All the flights have landed safely. The safety and security of our passengers, crew, and aircraft remain our top priority.” an Air India official said.

Akasa Air spokesperson said, “Some of our flights operating on October 22, 2024 have received security alerts today. The Akasa Air Emergency Response teams are monitoring the situation and are in touch with the security and regulatory authorities. We are following all safety and security procedures in coordination with local authorities and the Akasa Air teams on ground are prepared to assist passengers to ensure their safety and comfort.”

50 bomb threats today, 170 in last 8 days

On Tuesday, nearly 50 domestic and international flights operated by Indian carriers received bomb threats, bringing the total number of affected flights since Monday night to approximately 80, according to sources. According to PTI, 13 flights each from Air India and IndiGo, over 12 from Akasa Air, and 11 from Vistara were among those targeted on Tuesday. On Monday night, 10 flights each from Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara also received threats, resulting in the diversion of three Jeddah-bound IndiGo flights to airports in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

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In just over a week, more than 170 flights operated by Indian carriers have received bomb threats. While most of these have proven to be hoaxes, airlines continue to face significant operational challenges due to the mandatory protocols that must be followed during such incidents.

MoCA mulling legislative actions

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday said that the government will propose life imprisonment for individuals making hoax calls or social media posts about bomb threats, alongside placing such offenders on the no-fly list. 

Naidu confirmed that amendments to aviation security regulations and the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, are in the works. These legislative measures aim to address the recent surge in bomb threats targeting airlines, which have disrupted airport operations, airlines, and passengers over the past week.

“We have another act in place since 1980s, we need to cover the offences on ground and at airports,” he said, adding that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is continuously in touch with the home ministry on the situation of bomb threats to flights.

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