New Delhi: Hoax bomb threats continue to plague the aviation sector, with at least 15 flights receiving such threats in 2025 alone, according to official data. Since 2020, a staggering 833 hoax threats have been reported, raising concerns over aviation security and passenger safety.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, disclosed these figures in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, citing data from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
This year, the affected flights include IndiGo (7), Air India (4), Lufthansa (2), Malindo (1), and American Airlines (1). The trend has seen a sharp rise, with 728 hoax bomb threats recorded in 2024—drastically higher than the 71 reported in 2023. The figures were significantly lower in previous years: 13 in 2022, 2 in 2021, and 4 in 2020.
Despite the surge, BCAS has assured that stringent protocols are in place to manage such threats efficiently. “We have mandated robust security measures in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, CISF, and other stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption to flight operations,” the minister stated in a written reply.
To counter such incidents, a Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP) has been implemented, providing a structured response framework. Additionally, BCAS has issued advisories to all civil aviation stakeholders to enhance security and prevent unlawful interference with airline operations.
While no real threats have materialized, the persistent rise in hoax calls remains a pressing challenge, demanding continuous vigilance and enhanced security measures.
