Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced on Monday that the government is considering amending laws to put individuals responsible for hoax bomb threats on a no-fly list, following a wave of nearly 100 bomb threats targeting flights since October 14. Addressing a press conference, Mr. Naidu emphasized that safety is the government’s top priority, and those making such threats will face legal consequences, including fines and penalties.
Mr. Naidu explained that while all threats so far have been hoaxes, the aviation sector follows strict international protocols for security, making it crucial to assess each threat seriously. “It is a very sensitive situation when it comes to such threats. There is an international procedure that we have to follow,” the minister said.
Amendments to Aviation Security Rules
Mr. Naidu shared that discussions are underway to amend the Aircraft (Security) Rules to place perpetrators of hoax threats on a no-fly list. The government is also considering changes to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation (SUASCA) Act, 1982. Consultations are ongoing with various ministries to ensure these measures can be implemented swiftly.
“Even though most of these threats are hoaxes, we cannot take them lightly. The safety and security of passengers and the security situation are our utmost priorities. We have enhanced security at airports and are taking steps to ensure a deterrent against such threats,” he added.
Home Ministry Meeting on Aviation Security
A high-level meeting was held in the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, chaired by Home Secretary Govind Mohan, to assess the current situation. Officials from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) briefed the home ministry on the investigations into the threats and updated the status of aviation security measures.
The surge in hoax bomb threats has led to over 20 flights receiving threats on Sunday alone. Authorities are tightening security protocols at airports across the country, and investigations are ongoing to identify the individuals behind these threats. Notably, a 17-year-old boy was taken into custody by Mumbai Police for issuing threats to four flights, including three international routes.
