In a bid to tackle the alarming surge in hoax bomb threats targeting Indian airlines, the government has announced plans to amend laws and introduce harsher penalties for perpetrators. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu revealed that nearly 100 flights received bomb threats in just the past week, with most being deemed hoaxes.
To combat this menace, the government is considering amendments to aviation security rules and the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982. The proposed changes include placing offenders on a no-fly list, effectively grounding them from air travel.
*Key Measures:*
– *Amending Aircraft Security Rules*: To propagate the no-fly list idea and strengthen security measures.– *Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act*: To explore legislative action and curb unlawful activities.The recent spate of hoax calls has caused widespread panic, prompting emergency meetings between officials. On Sunday alone, over 20 flights from IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Vistara were impacted by bomb threats. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Ministry of Home Affairs are working closely to address the issue.
In a significant move, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) director general and BCAS director general met with the Union home secretary to discuss the surge in hoax calls. The government’s swift response aims to reassure passengers and prevent further disruptions to air travel.By introducing stricter penalties and a no-fly list, India hopes to deter hoax callers and ensure safer skies for all.
