Scale of Disruptions
Within just 24 hours, approximately 80 flights faced bomb threats, severely disrupting airline operations and causing major delays for passengers. Although these threats were ultimately determined to be false, the resulting disruption has led to an estimated Rs 600 crore loss for airlines, as reported by former airline officials.
Tuesday's Surge in Bomb Threats
On a particularly chaotic Tuesday, about 50 flights from multiple airlines received bomb threats. These included 13 flights each from IndiGo and Air India, 12 flights from Akasa Air, and 11 from Vistara. The previous night, nearly 30 more flights had also faced similar threats, primarily communicated through social media.
Rising Costs of Threat-Induced Disruptions
Over a nine-day period, more than 170 flights received bomb threats, with several international flights even being diverted. On average, a domestic flight disruption costs around Rs 1.5 crore, while the expense rises to Rs 5-5.5 crore for international flights, according to a former airline finance official. Based on this estimate, the overall loss due to these 170 flight disruptions totals around Rs 600 crore. Costs vary based on aircraft size and route duration, with wide-body planes incurring higher operational costs.
Airline Responses and Safety Protocols
In response to the crisis, airlines issued statements emphasizing their adherence to strict safety protocols. IndiGo, for instance, reported security alerts for 13 flights, including routes from Bengaluru to Lucknow, Mumbai to Istanbul, and Goa to Ahmedabad. Akasa Air and Vistara also confirmed receiving security threats for certain flights but did not specify exact numbers. Similarly, Air India highlighted its compliance with all mandated security procedures following threats on social media.
Strengthening Security Measures and Legal Actions
Authorities have enhanced the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) protocols to counter the wave of internet-based threats effectively. The government is also proposing legislative amendments to The Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act (SUASCA), 1982. These changes would allow authorities to arrest and investigate perpetrators of bomb threats without a court order, even when the aircraft is grounded. Additionally, stringent punishments, including placing offenders on the no-fly list, are under consideration.
Future Steps to Combat Hoaxes
As bomb hoax calls continue to destabilize the airline industry, these planned reforms signal the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and smooth operation of air travel in India. With stricter laws and potential penalties on the horizon, authorities aim to create a deterrent against such disruptive activities, protecting both passengers and the airline industry from further financial and operational harm.
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