Airline bomb threats: Govt to amend aviation acts; add hoax perpetrators to ‘no-fly’ list, says Naidu

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu announced plans to amend two key aviation acts -- the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023, and the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982 (SUSCA Act) -- in a media briefing held today.

Naidu says the government intends to classify hoax threats as cognizable offences and include hoax perpetrators on the 'no-fly list.'

“We have been having multiple meetings with every stakeholder at multiple levels, including the MHA. From the ministry, we have thought of some legislative action also, if required. We have come to the conclusion that there are two areas that we can explore - 1) Amendment in Aircraft Security Rules...one of the ideas that we want to propagate by changing these rules is that once we catch hold of the perpetrator who is behind this, we want to put them in the no-flying list... 2) Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act," the minister says during a media briefing today.

Naidu says the most recent threats have been hoaxes, prompting several meetings with stakeholders. Naidu emphasised that along with increased security screenings of passengers and cargo, more precise threat assessments will be implemented to prevent unnecessary diversions. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is in ongoing contact with the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding bomb threats. From day one, the minister says the authorities have followed strict protocols in response to every threat, whether received via calls, social media, or other means in line with international guidelines. He noted that, amid recent hoax threats, surveillance at airports and airlines has been increased by over 10%.

Currently, Indian aviation regulations lack specific provisions for addressing bomb threats from external sources, such as social media. The Aircraft (Security) Rules classify “acts of unlawful interference” as actions that jeopardise civil aviation safety, including unlawful seizure of an aircraft, forcible intrusion on board an aircraft or airport premises and communication of false information threatening the safety of aircraft, passengers, crew, or airport personnel.

When asked about the sources of the recent threats, Naidu refrained from speculation, stating that conclusions can only be drawn after investigations, particularly since social media posts can be made anonymously using VPNs. Additionally, while he did not provide estimates of the financial losses incurred by airlines due to these bomb threats, Naidu emphasised that the greater concern is the inconvenience caused to passengers. He highlighted the ministry's commitment to partnering with airlines to improve the situation.

In the past week, eight flights were diverted due to fake bomb threats.

Indian airlines have faced a wave of hoax bomb threats this week, with over 100 incidents reported for domestic and international flights. These threats have caused widespread disruptions and emergency procedures, though most have turned out to be false alarms, prompting airlines and authorities to scramble for passenger safety while investigating their sources. Airlines affected include Air India Express, Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, and Akasa Air. Some now-suspended handles which reportedly posted these bomb threats include @adamlanza1111 and @schizophreniqqq. The threats are said to have contained an identical message - “There are bombs onboard five of your planes… No one will make it out alive. Hurry up and evacuate the plane.” Some flights were airborne when the threats were made, while others had already completed their journeys.