New Delhi: In the realm of Indian aviation, 2024 marked a year of unprecedented disruption, as the industry faced a staggering 728 hoax bomb threats—a tenfold increase from the previous year. This surge not only led to significant operational disruptions, including emergency landings, but also caused considerable inconvenience to passengers. Behind these threats, a sophisticated network of tech-savvy individuals is suspected, using advanced tools like VPNs to mask their identities.
The impact was felt across various airlines, with IndiGo bearing the brunt, receiving 216 threats, followed closely by Air India with 179. Other domestic carriers such as Vistara, Akasa, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air also faced numerous threats. Even foreign airlines like Emirates and Air Arabia were not spared, highlighting the widespread nature of these disruptions. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) has implemented robust protocols to handle these threats, including a comprehensive Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP) designed to minimize disruptions to flight operations.
These threats were primarily delivered via social media and emails, with initial investigations tracing IP addresses to European countries, though further tracing was complicated by the use of VPNs. As of 2025, the trend continues, albeit at a slower pace, with 15 hoax bomb threats reported so far, affecting airlines like IndiGo and Air India. Despite these challenges, the aviation sector remains vigilant, with BCAS issuing advisories to ensure streamlined security measures and prevent unlawful interference with civil aviation.
