Flights from India over the past 48 hours have faced major disruptions with lengthy flight delays and diversions.
This Tuesday, at least 10 Indian flights received fake multiple bomb threats that Singapore's Air Force had to escort a plane from Air India Express away after the incident.
As detailed by BBC, earlier on the same day, an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago needed to land in Canada as a precaution due to receiving a bomb threat that turned out to be fake again.
Fake Bomb Threats on Indian Airlines
Now, fake bomb threats commonly happen in the country but the spike since Monday is still being investigated, according to Hindustan Times.
Three international flights from Mumbai were delayed or diverted after the threat was posted on an X account. Police have arrested a teenager in connection with the first threat, but another account has been made that affected seven flights including two Air India planes. This X account is now suspended.
Government officials of India's aviation industry have yet to respond to requests for comment. So far—besides Air India, Akasa Air, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have also received similar threats.
Air India is now working with authorities to find those responsible. For now, the airline is considering seeking legal action for damages.
What Happens When Airlines Receive Bomb Threats
Like other countries, every Indian airport has a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee that assesses the severity of the threat. Depending on the situation, this committee may involve sniffer dogs, bomb squads, and even ambulances to ensure passenger safety.
When receiving bomb threats, passengers are removed from the plane, and all baggage and cargo undergo screening. However, prior to this, the same BBC report shared that engineering and security teams inspect aircraft before it is cleared to fly. With several fake bomb threats aimed at Indian airlines, this has, so far, caused thousands of dollars due to delays and the assignation of security agencies.
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