National: At least 50 flights operated by Indian airlines received bomb threats on Sunday, according to sources. In 14 days, more than 350 flights operated by the Indian carriers have received hoax bomb threats. 

Most of the threats were issued through social media. Akasa Air on Sunday said 15 of its flights got security alerts and after thorough inspections, all aircraft were released for operations. The sources in the know said IndiGo received threats for 18 flights and Vistara for 17 flights.

Against the backdrop of a spate of hoax bomb threats to airlines, the IT Ministry has asked social media platforms to observe due diligence obligations and promptly remove or disable access to misinformation within the strict timelines prescribed under IT rules. Meanwhile, the civil aviation ministry is looking to take legislative actions to tackle the menace of the hoax bomb threats to airlines.

Centre taking steps to ban hoax bomb perpetrators from flying

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu today (October 27) said the Centre is mulling steps to ban perpetrators who resort to hoax bomb threats from flying. Speaking to media after formally inaugurating two flights between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, the minister also said besides taking support from international agencies, law enforcement wings and the Intelligence Bureau to prevent these fake threats, the union government is also mulling to amend two Civil Aviation Laws.

"We are also taking the support of international agencies, law enforcement agencies, the Intelligence Bureau to prevent these. We are planning to bring changes to two civil aviation laws. Those who resort to these kinds of activities will be punished severely and imposed a penalty. We are also taking steps to ban such persons from flying. We will announce them in the coming days," he said.

Most of the threats were issued through social media. Naidu further said an investigation into these fake threats is going on seriously and also the cooperation of social media platform 'X' is being sought.

Bengaluru-Ayodhya Akasa flight receives hoax bomb threat

Ayodhya's Maharishi Valmiki International Airport was the scene of heightened security on Sunday following a bomb threat on a flight arriving from Bengaluru. The aircraft, operated by Akasa Airlines, was carrying 173 passengers and landed safely amid urgent safety protocols. Upon landing, authorities initiated a thorough inspection of the plane and its occupants. The incident, while concerning, has been managed effectively, with passengers remaining safe and cooperative throughout the ongoing checks.

Maharishi Valmiki Airport Director Vinod Kumar confirmed that all checks have been completed and nothing suspicious was found.

"There was a bomb threat call concerning the Akasa flight from Bengaluru to Ayodhya. The checks have been conducted successfully, and it appears the call was a hoax. There were 173 passengers on board," said Airport Director Vinod Kumar.

"Around 1:30, we received information about a bomb being planted on the flight, prompting an immediate landing. The passengers, their luggage, and the aircraft were thoroughly checked, but nothing suspicious was found. We received a similar hoax call on Wednesday as well. All passengers are safe now," Kumar added.

As investigations continue, airport officials have assured the public that all necessary precautions are in place to ensure safety at the airport. Earlier this month, an Air India Express flight (IX-196) from Dubai to Jaipur also received a bomb threat via email.

According to Jaipur Airport Police SHO Sandeep Basera, the plane, carrying 189 passengers, made an emergency landing at Jaipur International Airport at 1:20 am on Saturday. After a thorough check by security forces, nothing suspicious was found, confirmed the police officer.