“Mischievous, unlawful actions, matter of grave concern”: Aviation minister condemns bomb threats to flights

New Delhi [India], October 16 (ANI): Minister of Civil Aviation K Ram Mohan Naidu on Wednesday expressed concern over the recent disruptive acts targeting Indian airlines, affecting domestic and international operations.

Stating that such “mischievous and unlawful” actions are a matter of grave concern, the minister strongly condemned “attempts to compromise the safety, security and operational integrity of the aviation section.”

“I am deeply concerned over the recent disruptive acts targeting Indian airlines, affecting the domestic and international operations. Such mischievous and unlawful actions are a matter of grave concern, and I strongly condemn any attempts to compromise the safety, security, and operational integrity of our aviation sector,” read a statement on MoCA website.

Naidu chaired a high-level committee on Monday, stating that he is monitoring the situation regularly, and the law enforcement agencies are pursuing all the cases actively, the Union Minister said in letter.

“In response, I chaired a high-level committee on October 14, comprising officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation,” the letter said.

In the letter, Naidu also informed that the Mumbai Police has apprehended a minor responsible for issuing bomb threats to three flights, and added that all others responsible for the disruptions will be identified and duly prosecuted.

“I am monitoring the situation regularly, and our law enforcement agencies are pursuing all the cases actively. Mumbai Police has arrested a minor responsible for issuing bomb threats targeting 3 flights. All others responsible for the disruptions will be identified and duly prosecuted,” the Union Minister said.

Naidu further assured that every possible effort is being made to safeguard the operations.

“I assure all the stakeholders, including passengers and industry partners, that every possible effort is being made to safeguard the operations. We are committed to enhancing security measures and maintaining seamless coordination with global security agencies. The safety and security of passengers remains my utmost priority,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police informed that an FIR has been registered under sections 217 and 351(4) of the BNS, as well as section 3(1)(d) of The Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, in connection with the recent hoax bomb threat concerning Akasa Air flight.

A detailed investigation is currently underway.

Additionally, after coordination with the concerned social media platform, all accounts responsible for spreading these false threats have been suspended to prevent further misuse and ensure public safety, the police added.

Earlier in the day, an Akasa Air flight bound for Bengaluru from Delhi received a bomb threat on Wednesday, adding to a series of such threats received by multiple airlines in the past two days.

The flight, carrying 174 passengers including seven crew members was monitored by the budget carrier’s Emergency Response Team and was diverted to the IGI Airport in the national capital.

An Akasa Air Spokesperson shared details and said, “Akasa Air flight QP 1335, flying from Delhi to Bengaluru on October 16, 2024, and carrying 174 passengers, 3 infants and 7 crew members on board, received a security alert.”

“The Akasa Air Emergency Response teams are monitoring the situation and have advised the pilot to divert the flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi with abundant precaution,” said the spokesperson.

The Delhi Police in a press conference also stated that in October, the IGI Airport Police responded to seven incidents involving reported bomb threats.

After thorough verifications and inspection, all threats were confirmed to be hoaxes.

Legal action has been initiated against those responsible for these false alarms to ensure strict measures against misuse and to maintain the safety and security of passengers and airport operations, the police added.