Aviation ministry seeks tougher laws to curb hoax bomb threats

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The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is actively engaging with other ministries to amend existing laws, aiming to create more stringent measures against hoax bomb threats that target flights, according to MoCA officials.

The move comes in response to a recent surge in bomb hoax threats, which have disrupted airline operations and raised concerns within the aviation sector. A senior official at MoCA confirmed on Friday that those responsible for hoax bomb threats will face serious consequences, including being placed on a no-fly list.

In a bid to enhance legal deterrence, a special committee is expected to be formed in consultation with both the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Home Affairs. This committee will draft amendments to the Aircraft Act of 1934, the Aircraft Rules of 1937, and relevant subordinate regulations. The proposed changes would enforce a mandatory five-year imprisonment for offenders in addition to placing them on a no-fly list.

Ensuring deterrence and safety

Officials have emphasized the need to enforce a high level of deterrence to discourage such acts. “The government wants to ensure high deterrence for such attempts,” a ministry representative stated, expressing the urgency behind the proposed changes.

India’s aviation industry, the fastest-growing in the world, has been particularly impacted by these threats. Over the past four days alone, at least 26 hoax bomb threats have been reported by prominent airlines operating within the country.

A senior executive from one of India’s major airlines commented on the issue, describing it as an attempt to disrupt the booming aviation sector. “Hoax bomb alerts cause diversion and delays of aircraft, resulting in both financial losses and inconvenience for airlines and passengers,” the official said, highlighting the economic and logistical repercussions of these false alarms.

Civil aviation minister speaks out

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu also addressed the issue on Thursday, reiterating that action is underway. “Action is being taken on this. We can’t comment on any kind of a conspiracy, but from whatever little bit we know, these calls are coming from some minors and pranksters,” said the minister. “These are all minor and isolated incidents. There is no kind of conspiracy that we can comment on. From our side, we are going to see what best we can do. We are talking to the airlines, security agencies, within the ministry also. Consultations are going on.”

Though Kinjarapu described the incidents as minor and unrelated, the increase in threats has prompted swift government action to avoid further disruptions to India’s aviation industry. Airlines, security agencies, and government bodies are working together to ensure that these issues are tackled effectively.