At least 50 flights receive bomb threats; two diverted mid-flight

Mon Oct 28 07:08:17 UTC 2024: ## Hoax Bomb Threats Ground Indian Flights, Disrupting Aviation Sector

**New Delhi, India:** A wave of bomb threats targeting Indian airlines has caused widespread disruption in the country’s aviation sector, with over 50 flights receiving threats on Sunday alone. Two flights were even diverted mid-air due to the threats, which were primarily issued through social media platforms.

In the past 14 days, over 350 flights operated by Indian carriers have been targeted by these hoax bomb threats, leading to significant delays and inconvenience for passengers.

Akasa Air reported 15 of its flights receiving security alerts on Sunday, while IndiGo confirmed 18 such incidents and Vistara reported 17.

Two IndiGo flights, 6E 133 from Pune to Jodhpur and 6E 87 from Kozhikode to Dammam, were diverted to Ahmedabad and Mumbai respectively.

The Union Civil Aviation Minister, K Rammohan Naidu, has expressed concern over the rising number of threats and announced that the government is considering banning individuals involved in issuing these false threats from flying.

Naidu also stated that the government is working with international agencies, law enforcement, and the Intelligence Bureau to prevent these fake threats, alongside amending two civil aviation laws. The IT Ministry has also instructed social media platforms to adhere to diligence obligations and swiftly disable access to misinformation.

The surge in hoax bomb threats highlights the growing challenge posed by misinformation online and the potential for disruption it can cause to critical infrastructure.