During the last week, over 90 threats claiming to be bomb-related were leveled at many Indian Airlines airlines in India. A report by Indian media on Sunday claimed that flights were diverted to Canada and Germany as well. Fighter jets in Britain and Singapore scrambled to escort aircraft as passengers faced massive delays and a good amount of panic.
Indian authorities responded with warnings that were stern and promising that those behind the hoax threats would face “very strict action.” On Saturday alone, 30 were made, and by Sunday, 20 were reported. Most of these involved the major Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara, but among those also targeted were international carriers such as American Airlines and Air New Zealand.
It has affected the flight schedules considerably, and also diverted and made some planes make an emergency landing into the countries of Turkey, Germany, and Canada. It was even considered one of the most famous incidents when an Air India flight from Mumbai to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit, a town in the Canadian Arctic, and passengers were stranded there for several days.
Authorities have detained a child related to some of those hoaxes, and the investigation continues. Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu termed the threats as “a matter of grave concern.” He added that “those responsible will be prosecuted, and those who will be prosecuted may also find their names on the no-fly list.” Still, the looming list does not seem to soothe the rising tensions as the Indian aviation sector continues to face numerous disruptions.
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