NEW DELHI: Hoax bomb threat messages have made it a maniac Monday for three international flights of two Indian carriers and close to 600 passengers onboard. Since any threat is taken very seriously, one flight — Air India Mumbai-New York which was diverted to Delhi — and two others delayed for being checked thoroughly before these two were allowed to proceed for their destinations.Luckily while those proved to be hoax, this menace continues to play havoc with flight schedules.
The three impacted flights were — AI 119 that was diverted to Delhi; IndiGo Mumbai-Muscat 6E1275 and IndiGo Mumbai-Jeddah 6E56. Aviation security officials confirmed that the threat messages proved to be hoax.
An Air India spokesperson said: “AI119 operating Mumbai to New York JFK on Oct 14 received a specific security alert and on instructions of the government’s security regulatory committee was diverted to Delhi. We confirm that all 239 passengers and 19 crew have disembarked and are currently undergoing security procedures. Refreshments have been provided to the passengers.”
“Our staff on ground are making sure to minimise the inconvenience caused to our guests by this unexpected disruption. Guests will be moved to hotels once security protocols are completed. The flight has been rescheduled to the morning of Oct 15. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all passengers. Air India is committed to and accords top priority to the safety and security of its passengers and crew,” AI said.
Hoax messages severely cripple flight schedules. On getting a threat like this, airports/aircraft, passengers, and baggage has to be checked thoroughly. Getting the all clear nod takes several hours and by then sometimes the maximum time for which crew can operate is about to lapse. In those situations, airlines have to arrange for additional crew.
Given the increasing frequency of such calls, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had this summer proposed that anyone issuing issuing hoax threats for flights, airports or any aviation-sector related facility should land on the no fly list for five years.
“Six people have already been arrested so far for issuing these hoax threats. Investigations are on and we expect more arrests soon. We have proposed putting people found guilty on this count be put on no fly list for five across airlines,” BCAS DG Zulfiquar Hasan had said on June 18, 2024.
