In India, more than 90 fake bomb threats have been reported against flights from different airlines this week, causing a lot of fear and delays for travelers.
Although all planes landed safely, some had to be diverted to countries like Canada and Germany. Fighter jets were also sent to help escort planes flying over Britain and Singapore.
The Indian government has said they will take “very strict action” against those responsible. Reports say that since October 13, there have been over 70 hoax threats aimed at both local and international flights. Just on Saturday, there were at least 30 fake threats, and on Sunday, 20 more.
IndiGo airline confirmed that six of its flights received threats on Sunday, two of which were for flights within India and four for international trips to places like Saudi Arabia and Turkey. IndiGo reassured everyone that passenger safety is their top priority and that they are working with authorities to ensure everyone’s security.
These false threats have caused major disruptions for airlines and have increased costs. So far, at least one person has been arrested, but the threats are still happening.
India’s aviation minister stated that everyone involved in these disruptions will be found and punished. An anonymous account on X (formerly Twitter) was also shut down after posting bomb threats for about 40 flights.
Some of the flights affected included an Air India plane flying from Mumbai to New York, which was checked by US security officials after it landed safely. Another Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago had to make an emergency landing in Canada.
In addition, Singapore sent fighter jets to escort an Air India Express plane, and British jets helped escort another Air India flight that safely landed in London after a threat was made.
