In the wake of a series of bomb threats targeting Indian airlines, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is gearing up to impose stricter penalties to deter hoax security alerts. Over the past 48 hours, more than 20 flights, including several international routes, received bomb threats, prompting diversions and delays. While most of these threats turned out to be false alarms, they caused significant disruptions for airlines and passengers alike.
To tackle this growing concern, the ministry is exploring amendments to existing regulations under the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), aiming to ensure tougher punishments for offenders. One of the key proposals under consideration is placing those responsible for issuing bomb threats on the no-fly list, effectively banning them from flying within India.
An official familiar with the matter stated, “We are considering amending the rules to impose severe penalties on individuals making these threats. The no-fly list is one of the proposals under review to act as a deterrent.”
Legal consultations are underway, and the ministry is also examining international protocols to see how other countries handle such situations. Many nations impose significant penalties for hoax bomb threats, including fines and imprisonment, and India could adopt similar approaches.
These incidents have caused considerable inconvenience to passengers, as airlines were forced to re-screen travelers, leading to major delays. The ministry is determined to prevent further occurrences, ensuring public safety while minimizing disruptions in air travel. As discussions progress, the MoCA is expected to announce more comprehensive rules in the coming weeks to combat such threats effectively.
