Aviation on Edge: Hoax Bomb Threats Alarm Security Forces

CISF and BCAS chiefs discussed recent hoax bomb threats with Union Home Secretary. Focus was on aviation security and measures to handle the situation, affecting over 90 flights this week. The importance of vigilance and inter-agency coordination was underscored to address disruptions caused by false threats.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Director General RS Bhatti and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) Director General Zulfiquar Hasan convened with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Monday to deliberate over the surge in hoax bomb threats targeting flights both domestically and internationally. The meeting, held at the Home Ministry, lasted for half an hour during which both DGs provided a detailed briefing to the Home Secretary on the recent spate of hoaxes that have incited panic and necessitated extensive security checks by aviation authorities, intelligence agencies, among others.

Discussions reportedly centered on the implications for aviation security and the strategies being rolled out to mitigate the threat. Officials stressed the necessity for heightened alertness and improved coordination among security entities to combat the recurring issue. Notably, on October 20, bomb threats impacted over 20 flights operated by airlines such as IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Vistara, leading to a series of press releases from IndiGo about the threats received.

This week alone has seen more than 90 flights receiving bomb threats, though most were confirmed as hoaxes. These incidents follow an October 19 meeting between BCAS officials and airline executives after 70 hoax calls were reported the previous week. The persistent threat has caused significant disruptions for passengers and staff at numerous airports as affected aircraft were relocated to isolated areas for comprehensive security checks. (ANI)