In a whirlwind of panic, at least 10 Indian flights have been targeted by hoax bomb threats over the past 48 hours, leading to major delays and diversions. 😱✈️
🛬 Recent Incidents
On Tuesday, Singapore’s Air Force took swift action, dispatching two fighter jets to escort an Air India Express plane away from populated areas after a bomb threat was reported. Meanwhile, an Air India flight en route from Delhi to Chicago made an emergency landing at a Canadian airport as a precaution. 🌍✈️
❓ What’s Behind the Surge?
Although hoax bomb threats aren’t new in India, the sudden spike since Monday has left many questioning the motive. Several airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, have also received threats. 📉
On Monday, three international flights from Mumbai faced delays or diversions after a threat was posted on an X (formerly Twitter) account. Authorities have since detained a teenager in connection with this incident. 🚨👮♂️
💼 Airline Response
Air India has announced it’s cooperating with authorities to identify the source of the threats and is considering legal action for the damages incurred. The airline stated that every Indian airport has a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee to evaluate threats and respond accordingly, often involving bomb squads, sniffer dogs, and emergency medical services. 🔍
🐶 Screening Procedures
When a threat is reported, passengers and their belongings are offloaded, and everything is screened again. This thorough process can lead to significant delays, costing airlines and security agencies thousands of dollars. 💸
🌐 International Involvement
The ripple effects extend beyond India. On Tuesday, Singapore’s Defense Minister confirmed that their fighter jets “scrambled” to escort the Air India Express plane from Madurai to Singapore. Once safely on the ground, the aircraft was handed over to the Airport Police for further investigation. 🔍👮♀️
In Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is also probing the threat linked to the Air India flight that landed in Iqaluit. Passengers from that flight are now being taken to Chicago by a Canadian Air Force plane while the original aircraft remains grounded. 🇨🇦✈️
🔮 What’s Next?
As investigations continue, the safety and security measures in the aviation industry are once again under the spotlight. For now, airlines and passengers alike are hoping for a swift resolution to this alarming situation. 🕵️♂️✨
Stay tuned for updates, and stay safe out there! 🙌💙