A series of hoax bomb threats has disrupted operations for several Indian airlines, causing panic and delays. Over the past 48 hours, at least 10 flights were affected, leading to diversions and significant delays.
On Tuesday, Singapore’s Air Force dispatched two fighter jets to escort an Air India Express flight away from populated areas after a bomb threat was received. Just hours earlier, another Air India flight en route from Delhi to Chicago had to make an emergency landing at a Canadian airport as a precautionary measure.
Although bomb threats are not uncommon in India, officials have not clarified the reasons behind this recent spike in incidents since Monday. Authorities from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security have yet to comment publicly.
In addition to Air India, flights from IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air were also targeted by threats. On Monday, three international flights originating from Mumbai were either delayed or diverted following a post on X (formerly Twitter), which led to the detention of a teenager in connection with the incident.
Another wave of threats on Tuesday affected seven more flights, including two Air India planes. The account responsible for the threats has since been suspended. Some posts included specific details such as flight numbers and tagged both the airlines and local police.
Air India released a statement indicating it is working closely with authorities to identify those responsible and may pursue legal action to recover financial losses.
Each airport in India has a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee, which evaluates the severity of a threat and coordinates appropriate action. This may involve bomb disposal units, sniffer dogs, ambulances, and a thorough re-screening of passengers, luggage, and cargo, leading to costly delays for airlines.
In cases involving international flights, agencies from other countries, such as Singapore and Canada, also become involved. In Singapore, after fighter jets escorted the Air India Express flight, the plane safely landed at Changi Airport where it was handed over to police for investigation. Meanwhile, in Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is investigating the threat that forced the Air India flight to land at Iqaluit Airport.
Air India reported on Wednesday that a Canadian Air Force plane had transported passengers to Chicago, but it remains unclear when the original flight will be allowed to depart.
