India's airlines faced a shocking rise in hoax bomb threat calls in 2024, with 994 cases reported, according to Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol.
Responding to a query from MP Kartikeya Sharma, the minister revealed that a total of 1,143 hoax bomb threats were recorded between August 2022 and November 13.
Breaking down the numbers, the minister explained, “From August to December 2022, there were 27 hoax bomb threat calls. This increased to 122 in 2023. However, in 2024, the number surged dramatically, with 994 calls reported by mid-November.”
He also noted that these threats occurred randomly and were not tied to any specific location.
To handle such incidents, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the regulator for aviation security, follows strict protocols outlined in its Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP).
Each airport has a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) responsible for assessing and addressing these threats.
The minister emphasised the impact of hoax bomb threats, stating that they disrupt flight operations and affect airlines, airports, and other stakeholders.
To counter these disruptions, BCAS has issued guidelines to strengthen security measures and prevent unlawful interference with civil aviation.
“These steps are designed to protect passenger safety while reducing the operational challenges caused by such malicious activities,” he added.
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