Airlines in India Report Significant Increase in Hoax Bomb Threats Over Five Years

Airlines in India have faced a significant number of hoax bomb threats over the past five years. According to data presented in Parliament, there were 809 such threats, with a staggering 719 occurring in 2024 alone. This information was shared by Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.

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The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has been actively involved in addressing these threats. They have implemented stringent protocols to manage such situations effectively. A comprehensive Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP) is also in place to handle these incidents efficiently.

Hoax Threat Statistics and Security Measures

In 2020, airlines reported four hoax bomb threats, while only two were recorded in 2021. The number increased to 13 in 2022 and further escalated to 71 in 2023. The dramatic rise to 719 threats in 2024 highlights the growing challenge faced by the aviation sector.

Each airport has a designated Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) as part of the BTCP. This committee is responsible for evaluating threats and taking appropriate actions. The minister emphasised that these measures are crucial for maintaining safety and security.

Advisories and Stakeholder Involvement

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued advisories to all civil aviation stakeholders across the country. These advisories aim to ensure that security measures are streamlined and effective in preventing any unlawful interference with civil aviation operations.

The minister stated, "Aviation security regulator Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has mandated robust protocols for handling such threats." This underscores the importance of having a well-coordinated approach to dealing with hoax bomb threats.

The increase in hoax bomb threats over recent years has prompted authorities to enhance their security frameworks. By implementing detailed contingency plans and involving various stakeholders, the aviation sector aims to safeguard passengers and operations from potential disruptions.