The spate of bomb threats to Indian airlines, involving over 30 flights on a single day and more than 70 incidents over the past week, is both alarming and deeply disruptive. While most of these threats have turned out to be hoaxes, the anxiety and inconvenience caused to passengers, airline staff, and security agencies cannot be understated. The entire aviation sector has been thrown into disarray as stringent security protocols, mandatory evacuations, and thorough inspections have become the norm across airports. Even though no actual bombs have been found so far, the impact of these false alarms is far-reaching. Hundreds of flights have been delayed, passengers subjected to uncertainty and distress, and the industry burdened with significant financial and logistical pressures. The sheer scale of these threats, involving airlines such as Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet, indicates a coordinated attempt to destabilise the aviation sector.
Security agencies are undoubtedly working tirelessly to address this menace. However, the fact that many of these threats have been issued via social media underscores the need for enhanced digital surveillance. The handle responsible for several threats has been deactivated, but this reactive step came after significant disruption. The Government’s proposal to introduce stricter penalties for hoax threats is a welcome step. Placing perpetrators on a no-fly list and imposing severe legal consequences could serve as effective deterrents. However, the implementation of these measures must be swift and unequivocal. It is equally essential that international coordination is strengthened, given that several threats have involved international flights, such as those bound for Frankfurt, Istanbul, and Colombo. The aviation industry has long been a pillar of India’s economic growth, connecting its vast regions and facilitating international trade and travel. While it is reassuring that all security protocols are being diligently followed, further investments in technology and tighter surveillance mechanisms will be key to preemptively addressing such threats before they escalate. The aviation sector, already reeling from pandemic-related challenges, cannot afford further disruption at this scale.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
