- By Nidhi Giri
- Sun, 20 Oct 2024 03:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
At least 14 flights operated by Vistara, IndiGo and Akasa airlines received fresh bomb threats on social media on Sunday, October 20, prompting the authorities to activate emergency protocols and pilots to land their aircraft before reaching their destinations. Checks were also carried out across various airports, said aviation sources, as quoted by news agency ANI. This comes a day after more than 30 flights across major airlines were trageted on Saturday alone.
At least 14 flights of various airlines received bomb threats on Sunday, 20th October: Aviation sources
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2024
Vistara Flights That Received Bomb Threat Include:
-UK25, flying from Delhi to Frankfurt
-UK106, flying from Singapore to Mumbai
-UK146, flying from Bali to Delhi
-UK116, flying from Singapore to Delhi
-UK110, flying from Singapore to Pune
-UK107, flying from Mumbai to Singapore
“We confirm receiving security threats on social media for six Vistara flights operating on 20 October 2024,” said the airline in an official statement, highlighting a concerning rise of bomb scares within the aviation sector.
“In line with the protocols, all relevant authorities were immediately notified, and security procedures, as directed by them, are being carried out. As always, the safety and security of our customers, crew, and aircraft remain our top priority,” said a Vistara spokesperson.
IndiGo Flights That Received Bomb Threats Include:
-Flight 6E 58, flying from Jeddah to Mumbai
-Flight 6E 87, flying from Kozhikode to Dammam
-Flight 6E 11, flying from Delhi to Istanbul
-Flight 6E 17, flying from Mumbai to Istanbul
-Flight 6E 133, flying from Pune to Jodhpur
-Flight 6E 112, flying from Goa to Ahmedabad
Akasa Air Flights That Received Security Alerts Include:
-QP 1102, flying from Ahmedabad to Mumbai
-QP 1378, flying from Delhi to Goa
-QP 1385, flying from Mumbai to Bagdogra
-QP 1406, flying from Delhi to Hyderabad
-QP 1519, flying from Kochi to Mumbai
-QP 1526, flying from Lucknow to Mumbai
"The Akasa Air Emergency Response team was immediately activated and initiated all standard operating procedures, including informing regulatory authorities and monitoring the situation in real-time," said Akasa Air spokesperson, as quotesd by ANI.
"Captains and crew members of respective flights followed the required emergency procedures, and prescribed safety and security protocols in coordination with the local authorities. The Airport Services teams at all impacted airports coordinated with local authorities to ensure efficient handling of the situation. Refreshments and passenger needs were addressed as required. Following defined procedures and thorough inspections of six aircraft, they have been released for operations," the spokesperson added.
The incident comes a day after director general of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Zulfiquar Hasan on Saturday emphasised that Indian skies are absolutely safe, urging the passengers to fly without fear. The DG also assured that hoax bomb threats will be curbed at the earliest. Notably, officials from BCAS met the chief executive officers (CEOs) of the airlines in New Delhi on Saturday. During the meeting, airline representatives apprised the DG that security issues during the festive season could lead to congestion at airports.
As per news agency ANI, Zulfiquar Hasan instructed the airlines to follow safety and security guidelines strictly. BCAS officials also assured the airline's representatives that they are working with the concerned agencies to find out the root cause of the issue.
“Indian skies are absolutely safe. The current protocol (to deal with the situation) is robust and is being strictly followed,” Hasan told the news agency. "We reassure passengers that they should fly without any fear and in fact, fly even more."
During the week almost 84 flights of Indian carriers hareceived bomb threats and most of them turned out to be hoaxes.