Month: October 2024

New Delhi, October 19, 2024 — In response to a surge of hoax bomb calls over the past four days, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) held an emergency meeting with the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of several airlines. The meeting, currently underway at the BCAS headquarters in Delhi, aims to strengthen protocols and ensure smooth air operations amidst the disruptions caused by these false alarms.

Addressing the situation, BCAS Director General Zulfiquar Hasan reassured passengers, saying, “Indian skies are absolutely safe. The current protocol to deal with the situation is robust and is being strictly followed. We reassure passengers that they should fly without any fear.”

According to one source, BCAS officials had “very good” discussions with airline representatives during the meeting, which covered various security aspects and operational challenges. Another source revealed that the meeting also focused on refining the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling bomb threats to prevent unnecessary panic and minimize disruptions.

Over the past week, more than 70 flights operated by Indian airlines have received bomb threats, most of which were confirmed as hoaxes. However, these incidents have caused temporary chaos, with some flights experiencing delays and airports operating under heightened security.

BCAS is urging airlines and airports to maintain high levels of vigilance, while also working towards improving coordination to deal with such incidents efficiently. “The goal is to ensure passenger safety without compromising convenience,” said an official involved in the discussions.

The regulator has assured that Indian airports and airlines are fully prepared to handle such threats, emphasizing that there is no reason for passengers to be alarmed. A detailed briefing on the meeting’s outcomes is expected shortly.

In a shocking development, three Vistara flights that departed from Delhi on October 18, 2024, received bomb threats, causing widespread concern. The affected flights were en route to Paris, Hong Kong, and London, with swift action taken by authorities to ensure passenger safety.

While the Delhi-Paris and Delhi-Hong Kong flights completed their journeys safely, the Delhi-London flight had to be diverted to Frankfurt as a precautionary measure. Officials confirmed that both the Hong Kong and Paris flights landed without any security incidents. However, the diversion to Frankfurt raised further security concerns as the passengers were safely deplaned, and the aircraft underwent rigorous screening.

Coordinated Response by Authorities
Security teams, including bomb squads and aviation authorities, were alerted immediately after the threats were reported. In Frankfurt, German security agencies collaborated with Vistara’s operations team to manage the situation. No explosive devices were found after thorough checks, and passengers from the diverted flight were safely accommodated.

The Indian aviation ministry and Vistara Airlines are cooperating with international authorities to investigate the source of these threats.

Airline Statement and Passenger Safety
Vistara reassured passengers that safety remains its highest priority. In a public statement, the airline thanked the authorities and ground staff in Hong Kong, Paris, and Frankfurt for their prompt assistance.

Travel Disruptions
The incident caused delays, with passengers from the diverted flight experiencing extended layovers. Vistara is working to rebook and provide accommodations to those affected. The airline also promised to keep travelers informed through its communication channels.

As investigations continue, authorities are tightening security across airports and monitoring flights closely to prevent further disruptions.

This incident has sparked concerns about aviation security and the potential impact on international travel. More updates are expected as the investigation progresses. #Vistara #BombThreats #IndiaAirlines #DelhiLondon #HongKong #Paris