Over the past 48 hours, at least 10 Indian flights have faced disruptions due to hoax bomb threats, causing widespread delays and diversions. This unprecedented surge in threats has not only affected domestic travel but also triggered international responses.
On Tuesday, Singapore’s Air Force scrambled two fighter jets to escort an Air India Express plane following a bomb scare. The flight, originating from Madurai and bound for Singapore, was diverted away from populated areas before landing safely at Changi Airport. Singapore’s Defence Minister, Ng Eng Hen, confirmed the incident, stating that the plane was later handed over to airport police for further investigation.
Earlier the same day, an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit Airport in Canada as a precautionary measure after receiving a similar threat. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are currently investigating the incident, while passengers are being flown to Chicago aboard a Canadian Air Force aircraft.
Monday saw three international flights from Mumbai face diversions or delays following threats posted on X (formerly Twitter). Indian authorities have detained a teenager in connection with these threats. On Tuesday, another wave of threats, affecting seven flights, was traced to an X account, now suspended.
Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, have been hit by these threats. Air India has vowed to cooperate with authorities in identifying the perpetrators and may pursue legal action to recover the damages incurred.
Each bomb threat triggers extensive security measures, involving bomb squads, sniffer dogs, police, and medical teams. Delays can cost airlines and security agencies thousands of dollars, with international authorities often stepping in when flights are en route to other countries.
As investigations continue in both Singapore and Canada, officials from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security have yet to provide a formal response on the sudden rise in hoax threats.