Over 60 flights face hoax bomb threats in a day; more than 410 in 15 days

NEW DELHI: More than 60 flights operated by Indian airlines faced alarming threats on Monday alone, and within just 15 days, carriers have been hit with more than 410 hoax bomb threats targeting both domestic and international routes, news agency PTI reported.

The majority of these threats were communicated through social media platforms. Around 21 flights each of Air India and IndiGo , and about 20 flights of Vistara received the threats, earlier in the day.

An Air India spokesperson confirmed that several of its flights were targeted by security threats received via social media on the same day.

The spokesperson said: "Following the laid down protocols, relesvant authorities were immediately alerted, and all security procedures strictly adhered to, as per guidance from the regulatory authorities," the spokesperson said in a statement.

In response to the recent surge in hoax bomb threats directed at airlines, the IT Ministry has taken action by urging social media platforms to fulfill their due diligence obligations.

The ministry has emphasised the importance of swiftly removing or disabling access to misinformation within the stringent timelines outlined in the IT rules. This move aims to curb the spread of false threats and ensure the safety and security of air travel.