Over 70 Flights Targeted by Bomb Threats, Mainly from Same Social Media Handle

A new wave of bomb threats directed at Indian airlines has emerged, with over 70 flights receiving threats on Thursday alone. Among the affected airlines are Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, and Akasa Air. Reports indicate that around 20 flights from Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo received threats, while Akasa Air reported similar concerns for approximately 14 flights.

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Sources from these airlines stated that the threats were sent from the same X handle, which has been responsible for these alarming messages for more than a week. However, due to new protocols in place, these mass threats are categorized as non-specific, which helps to minimize disruptions without necessitating diversions of flights.

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An Akasa Air spokesperson mentioned that the airline's Emergency Response teams are actively monitoring the situation and are in communication with security and regulatory authorities. "We are following all safety and security procedures in coordination with local authorities," the spokesperson said.

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In the past week, over 200 flights have received such threat messages, leading to route diversions and significant chaos at airports. Just this past Tuesday, nearly 50 domestic and international flights faced bomb threats.

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Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced on Monday that the government is contemplating legislative measures to combat bomb threats against airlines, which may include placing those responsible on a no-fly list. Under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act (SUASCA), 1982, perpetrators can be arrested and an investigation can begin without a court order when an aircraft is on the ground.

Why Bomb Threats Are Targeting Mumbai-Bound International Flights