Airline hoaxes go on unabated, 49 flights receive threats in a day

Hoax bomb threats targeting airlines have surged, disrupting air traffic and passenger safety protocols across India. A total of 49 flights were reportedly threatened within a 24-hour window, creating widespread panic and grounding multiple planes for security inspections. This unprecedented volume of fake threats poses a significant challenge for the aviation sector, raising concerns about the efficacy of existing security measures and the cost of frequent evacuations and checks.

Among the affected airlines, Air India, IndiGo, and Go First flights were subjected to these fake alerts. The hoaxes, which appear to have been systematically executed via social media platforms and email, led to the evacuation and rerouting of several flights, with passengers facing delays. A notable instance involved seven flights receiving bomb threats simultaneously, adding to the chaos. All the flights were declared safe after extensive searches, but the panic and confusion left a lasting impact on the passengers and authorities.

Authorities have been scrambling to respond to this wave of threats. Investigations into the origins of the messages are underway, with law enforcement agencies coordinating with cybersecurity experts to track the perpetrators. Initial reports suggest that a significant number of these threats were posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), hinting at a possible coordinated effort.

The spike in hoax threats has not only caused disruptions but also stretched security resources. Airport security teams were deployed in full force, conducting rigorous checks on passengers and baggage, delaying numerous domestic and international flights. Meanwhile, airlines have faced logistical challenges, with some being forced to cancel or divert flights. The financial burden of these hoaxes is also becoming a growing concern for airlines, as rerouting and evacuations lead to mounting operational costs.