Over 90 fake bomb threats against various Indian airlines this week have caused widespread panic and global flight delays, according to reports. While all flights landed safely, some were diverted to Canada and Germany, and fighter jets were scrambled to escort aircraft over Britain and Singapore.
India’s government and civil aviation authorities have vowed to take “very strict action” against those responsible. Although officials haven’t specified the total number of threats, reports indicate more than 70 hoaxes targeting both domestic and international flights since October 13, with at least 30 on Saturday alone.
IndiGo confirmed threats against six of its flights on Sunday, including two domestic routes and four international flights to destinations in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The airline emphasized that passenger safety is their top priority and that they are cooperating with authorities.
The ongoing threats have significantly impacted airline schedules and costs, with one minor arrested in connection to the incidents. India’s aviation minister stated that all individuals responsible will be identified and prosecuted.
Bomb Threats Target 40 Flights, Prompting Security Responses and Emergency Landings
A report from The Indian Express revealed that an anonymous account on X (formerly Twitter) was suspended after posting bomb threats to at least 40 flights over the weekend, affecting both Indian and international airlines, including those from the United States and New Zealand. The messages warned, “There are bombs placed onboard… No one will make out alive. Hurry up and evacuate the plane.”
Among the flights impacted was an Air India plane from Mumbai to New York, which underwent security sweeps upon landing safely. Another Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit, Canada, where the airforce arranged onward travel for the passengers.
On the same day, Singapore’s military scrambled fighter jets to escort an Air India Express plane, and on Thursday, British RAF fighter jets escorted an Air India Boeing 777-300 after a threat was made against it, which also landed safely in London.
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