Flight bomb threats: In a significant security scare, over 25 domestic and international flights operated by Indian airlines received bomb threats on Friday, affecting carriers including IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, and Air India, sources told PTI.Multiple flights targetedAccording to sources, seven flights each from IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet were affected, along with six Air India flights. The flights targeted included major routes such as IndiGos 6E 87 from Kozhikode to Dammam, 6E 2099 from Udaipur to Delhi, and 6E 11 from Delhi to Istanbul. Following the threats, protocols were strictly observed to ensure passenger safety. “Flight 6E 2099 from Udaipur to Delhi received a bomb threat. As per security agency guidelines, the aircraft was redirected to an isolation bay before take-off, and all passengers were safely disembarked,” an IndiGo spokesperson confirmed.Increasing frequency of threatsOver the past 12 days, more than 275 flights by Indian carriers have reportedly been threatened. The majority of these warnings were issued on social media, creating disruptions and heightened security protocols for numerous flights. These bomb threats have led to considerable operational burdens, with several flights delayed, diverted, or subjected to extensive checks.Government action and social media cooperationIn response to the growing threat, the Central Government has instructed social media platforms like Meta and X to provide details of users who posted hoax bomb threats, aiming to trace those responsible. “The IT ministry has requested that social media companies share information with law enforcement agencies, including details of the person posting the hoax,” a source said under anonymity.Recent incidents heightening security concernsRecently, threats have escalated to serious situations. Last Thursday, an Air India flight from Mumbai to London was intercepted by the UKs Royal Air Force after a bomb threat was issued. Days prior, Singapores Armed Forces escorted an Air India Express flight from Madurai away from populated areas following a similar alert. On Tuesday, the Nepalese Army dispatched a bomb squad to Kathmandu Airport after a bomb threat was received for a Vistara flight from Delhi.
