Authorities have effectively tackled the issue of hoax bomb calls to airlines, leading to a significant decline in such incidents, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam announced on Thursday. Speaking at an event in Delhi, he emphasized that improved security measures and streamlined procedures have minimized disruptions caused by such false threats.
“A few weeks ago, hundreds of flights were impacted by bomb threat calls, which later turned out to be hoaxes. However, our security teams have successfully handled these cases, reducing the frequency of such calls,” Vualnam said. He added that consultation processes and response mechanisms at airport threat assessment committees have been made more efficient to ensure quick and effective action.
To further enhance passenger safety and convenience, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued guidelines to improve responses to operational disruptions during the fog season. Vualnam noted that airlines have been directed to provide timely updates to passengers regarding delays or cancellations.
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“If there are unavoidable delays or cancellations, the procedures have been streamlined. Drills are being conducted, and fresh instructions will be issued to airlines and airports to ensure better handling of disruptions,” he said.
Among the measures is a provision allowing passengers to deboard delayed flights through departure gates if boarding has already occurred. This step, activated at airports across the country, prioritizes Delhi due to its high passenger volume and frequent weather-related disruptions. Holding areas have been designated to accommodate passengers in such cases.
On Wednesday, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu chaired a review meeting with stakeholders to assess fog preparedness, underscoring the government’s proactive approach to ensuring smoother operations during the winter months.