The government has directed social media platforms Meta and X to provide data on hoax bomb threat messages targeting airlines, as it works to identify those responsible. Over 80 flights received bomb threats on Thursday alone, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Officials have also sought cooperation from major multinational technology companies to help trace those behind these threats, citing the importance of public safety. In the past 11 days, more than 250 flights operated by Indian carriers have been subjected to bomb threats, most of which were issued through social media.

Government sources indicated that some of the culprits have already been identified, and appropriate action is being taken, though specific details such as the origin of the threats have not been disclosed.

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“The government has told social media companies Meta and X to share data pertaining to such hoax calls and messages made on their platforms targeting several airlines and asked them to cooperate,” one of the sources said. 

The source also said “they will have to cooperate and provide data since this involves public good at large”. 

80 flights received bomb threats today

On Thursday, more than 80 domestic and international flights received bomb threats, including around 20 each from Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo, and 13 from Akasa Air. Approximately five flights each from Alliance Air and SpiceJet were also targeted.

IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Vistara all issued statements confirming the threats. After thorough inspections, the affected aircraft were cleared for operations, and airport teams worked with local authorities to manage the situation, ensuring passenger safety and providing assistance as needed.

“The airport services teams at all impacted airports coordinated with local authorities to ensure efficient handling of the situation including safe deplaning of passengers, assistance and refreshments as required,” the Akasa Air spokesperson said in a statement.

In addition to these incidents, at least six flights to and from Kochi airport received bomb threats on Thursday, including a SpiceJet flight from Dubai. On Wednesday, a bomb threat was made to Dumna Airport in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, which was later confirmed as a hoax.

Earlier this week, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced the government’s plans to introduce legislative measures to address bomb threats, including placing offenders on a no-fly list.

(With PTI inputs)

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