Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara are among the primary targets. “A number of Air India flights were subject to security threats received on social media on 29 October 2024. Following the laid down protocols, relevant authorities were immediately alerted, and all security procedures strictly adhered to, as per guidance from the regulatory authorities,” an Air India spokesperson said.
The threats have spurred a police response, with the Mumbai Police registering a case against an unidentified individual after multiple bomb threats were issued to airlines via their social media platform, X, on Monday. “IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara received threats on Monday, which were later confirmed to be hoaxes after verification,” an official from Sahar police station stated.
The surge in threats has prompted a significant response from authorities. In October alone, Mumbai police have registered 14 FIRs related to airline bomb threats. Most recently, threats sent by an X user identified as “@Mandaimassacre,” under the handle “I want to slit your throat,” targeted flights with a tweet reading, “Hi, there are bombs onboard of the MENTIONED planes. Many lives will be lost today.”
One of the threats led an IndiGo representative to file a complaint with police, who registered a case under sections of the Aircraft Act and Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Police have managed to solve one case out of the 14 reported since October 14, leading to the arrest of a 17-year-old from Chhattisgarh.
The recent incidents have sparked a broader government response. The IT Ministry has instructed social media platforms to closely follow diligence protocols and ensure misinformation is removed promptly in accordance with IT rules. Additionally, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced on Sunday that the government is considering legislation to ban individuals responsible for hoax bomb threats from flying.