Indian airlines suffer a spate of bomb threats in recent days
Many airlines in India have been suffering a spate of bomb threats this week alone that have caused divertions, delays and expenses. More than seventy hoax calls and messages have been received and more than a dozen flights diverting.
One of the latest to be affected was a Vistara service from New Delhi to London, which had to divert to Frankfurt on Friday after a bomb threat was sent using the social media network formally known as Twitter. The jet with 147 people on board had to be evacuated and a full search was instigated by specialist police teams including those with explosive sniffer dogs. No device was found according to authorities.
On Monday, three international flights departing from Mumbai had to be diverted or delayed after bomb threats were posted on the same social media network. It is understood that Indian police traced these hoaxes to a teenager, who has since been arrested.
On Tuesday, a threat to an Air India Express flight forced the Singapore Air Force to scramble two fighter jets to intercept and escort the aircraft to land. Six other flights were affected by the threats issued on the same social media network, by another person, and the account was later suspended, halting police investigations.
Air India jet from New Delhi to Chicago on Wednesday had to land in Iqaluit, Canada following a threat. All 211 passengers and crew had to leave the aircraft and relocate to the airport terminal. Later on the same day, an Air Akasa flight to Bengaluru City was diverted to Delhi following another bomb threat.
On Thursday two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters from the quick reaction alert were scrambled to intercept an Air Indda Boeing 777 after it was reported there was a bomb on board. After the RAF jets intercepted it, the passenger aircraft was allowed to continue to London Heathrow, where it landed safely and passengers disembarked.
A spokesperson for the RAF: "We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched this afternoon to investigate a civilian aircraft.
Following an uneventful interception, the aircraft was released to continue to its original destination under the direction of civilian air traffic control. This incident is now being handled under the control of civilian authorities.”
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation said: "Ensuring the safety of our skies is my top priority. Recent hoax bomb threats have been traced to minors and pranksters. Civil Aviation Ministry is taking strict action and working closely to ensure passenger safety and prevent any such incidents. I personally urge everyone to act responsibly, as together, we can avoid these inconveniences and maintain a secure and smooth travel experience for all."
Local media is reporting that some of the more sensitive routes will have extra officers deployed to them, however, no confirmation of this has yet been received.
The cost thus far to the airlines is estimated to be in excess of $1.9 million.
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