New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has revealed alarming statistics on hoax bomb threats faced by airlines operating in India, with 809 threats reported since 2020. The surge in 2024 alone, with 719 such incidents as of 3 December, marks a worrying trend for aviation security.
Yearly BreakdownÂ
A closer look at the numbers shows a drastic escalation in recent years:
Airline-Wise Data for 2024
IndiGo reported the highest number of threats (216), followed by Air India (177) and Vistara (152). The complete breakdown includes:
The threats, primarily received through social media and other digital platforms, have disrupted airline operations and raised concerns over public safety and economic security.
Protocols in Place
MoCA MoS told the parliament that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented robust measures to counteract such threats. Each airport is equipped with a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) as part of the Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP), which evaluates and responds to threats. FIRs have been filed in several cases, leading to arrests.
BCAS has also issued advisories urging stakeholders to strengthen security protocols and prevent unlawful interference.
IT Ministry’s InterventionÂ
The Ministry of Electronics and IT issued a stern advisory on 25 October, addressing the rise in hoax bomb threats propagated via social media. The advisory emphasized intermediaries’ obligations under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021, to swiftly remove misinformation affecting public order.
Key directives include:
- Prompt removal of hoax content within prescribed timelines.
- Reporting threats under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which mandates intermediaries to assist in investigations.
- Strengthening mechanisms to prevent the spread of malicious content through features like forwarding and reposting.
Intermediaries failing to comply with these obligations face the risk of losing their immunity under Section 79 of the IT Act and could face legal consequences.
Growing Challenges
The unprecedented scale of hoax threats in 2024 highlights the vulnerabilities in the aviation sector and the misuse of social media for malicious purposes. These threats not only disrupt operations but also pose risks to economic and public security.
Authorities are now urging greater vigilance and coordinated action between aviation stakeholders, security agencies, and digital platforms to address this escalating issue effectively.
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