Surge in Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupting India’s Air Travel Industry

India’s aviation sector is grappling with an unprecedented rise in hoax bomb threats, causing widespread flight disruptions, diversions, and delays. These false alarms have created significant setbacks for airlines, passengers, and airport operations.

In one recent incident, an Air India flight from Mumbai to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit, a remote Canadian city, after a bomb threat on October 15. The Boeing 777, carrying 211 passengers, was forced to make an emergency landing, leaving passengers stranded in frigid conditions. Harit Sachdeva, a passenger, voiced his frustration on social media, noting that while local airport staff were helpful, Air India provided little information. Hours later, the Canadian Air Force helped transport the passengers to Chicago. The threat was later confirmed to be a hoax.

This incident mirrors a disturbing trend that has intensified in recent months. In the last week alone, Indian airlines have faced at least 90 bomb threats, forcing flight cancellations, diversions, and delays. Earlier in June, 41 airports received hoax bomb threats via email on a single day, prompting heightened security measures.

The surge in threats has caught the attention of India’s aviation authorities. “These disruptive acts are a grave concern and threaten the safety, security, and operational integrity of our aviation sector,” said Federal Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.

Hoax bomb threats often stem from malicious intent, pranks, or attempts to cause business disruption. In one case last year, a frustrated passenger issued a hoax alert to delay a SpiceJet flight after missing their check-in. While such threats may seem harmless, they wreak havoc on one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, where more than 150 million passengers traveled domestically last year.

When bomb threats arise mid-flight, planes must immediately divert to the nearest airport, causing a cascade of logistical challenges. Once on the ground, passengers, baggage, and cargo undergo extensive searches, often leading to long delays. Additionally, the same flight crew cannot always continue due to duty hour restrictions, leading to further operational setbacks. “Each disrupted flight incurs significant costs, with planes grounded and schedules thrown into chaos,” explained independent aviation expert Sidharath Kapur.

Efforts to trace hoaxers have proven difficult, as many threats are issued anonymously on social media. Indian authorities recently arrested a 17-year-old for issuing multiple hoax threats, though the motives behind the threats remain unclear.

As the issue escalates, authorities are considering harsher penalties for offenders. Currently, life imprisonment is mandated for threats to airport safety, but such severe punishments may not be applicable to hoax calls. Discussions are underway to introduce a five-year prison sentence and place offenders on a no-fly list.

For now, passengers remain anxious as the threats persist. An aviation consultant shared that passengers have begun questioning whether it’s safer to opt for trains instead of flights. Despite the disruptions, experts urge passengers to continue flying while authorities work to address the growing issue of hoax bomb threats in India’s air travel industry.