Surge of Hoax Bomb Threats: A Growing Concern for Indian Airlines

In a troubling development, Indian airlines have recently experienced a significant increase in hoax bomb threats, with nearly 70 incidents reported over the past week alone. Most of these threats have emerged from anonymous sources on social media, leaving the aviation industry grappling with the disruption and fear these malicious acts have instigated.

The Scale of the Threat

According to central intelligence reports, approximately 70% of these threats can be traced back to a single source. As these threats continue to target both domestic and international flights, the pressure on passengers and airlines is mounting. The situation has raised alarms among security experts and government officials alike, prompting discussions on the need for more robust security measures.

In an exclusive conversation with NewsX’s Sr. consulting editor, Vineet Malhotra, a panel of experts, including former fighter pilot Group Captain (R) Dr. M.J. Augustine Vinod, former RAW officer NK Sood, and global strategic and defense expert Major General (R) G.G. Dwivedi, shared their insights on the ongoing threats. They emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security protocols, warning that these incidents pose a significant threat to national security.

Threats Spread Panic and Disrupt Operations

Many of the recent threats were disseminated via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), warning of bombs on board Indian flights. Alarmingly, some threats were issued while flights were in midair, exacerbating the anxiety among passengers and crew members. In one particularly distressing incident, a bomb note was discovered in the lavatory of a flight, further heightening concerns.

Central intelligence agencies have traced several of these threats to locations in London and Germany. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murar Mahol revealed that 70% to 80% of the hoax bomb threats originated from overseas sources. In response, the Indian government is contemplating stricter regulations to combat this rising menace, including the possibility of placing perpetrators on a no-fly list to prevent them from boarding flights in the future.

However, security experts argue that more decisive action is necessary. Group Captain Dr. M.J. Augustine Vinod pointed out during the NewsX discussion that merely placing offenders on a no-fly list is akin to handling them “with kid gloves.” He advocates for stricter punitive measures to send a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.

Hybrid Warfare: Psychological and Financial Damage

Dr. Vinod highlighted the broader implications of these bomb threats, categorizing them as part of a larger psychological warfare campaign. He explained that these hoax threats are designed to instill fear and disrupt civilian life. “This issue has to be taken at the national level as a very serious security concern,” he stated. “We are in the era of hybrid warfare, which includes psychological warfare. You are trying to attack the psyche and instill a fear psychosis among the citizens.”

Vinod further emphasized the need for India to adopt a proactive approach, rather than merely reacting to each threat as it arises. “Ironically, as a student of security, I say that we only react; we are not proactive. Every time we are in reactive mode. Such threats can be anticipated, and I’m sure the system can be put in place,” he explained.

Financial Impact: Airlines and Airports Bear the Brunt

The financial ramifications of these hoax threats are significant. NK Sood, a former RAW officer, noted that the lack of arrests and concrete action against the perpetrators has emboldened those responsible. He stated that the threats have evolved into an organized form of psychological warfare, disrupting the aviation system without causing physical damage.

“The fact that there hasn’t been any concrete action or any arrests so far definitely emboldens these perpetrators,” Sood remarked. “These threats may not result in physical damage, but the psychological damage, the fear, and the panic they induce can be just as debilitating.” He urged authorities to intensify efforts to track down and apprehend those behind these hoax threats, which will require greater coordination between domestic and international law enforcement agencies.

National Security at Stake

Major General G.G. Dwivedi underscored the urgent need to address the threat to national security posed by these hoax threats. He emphasized that, in addition to causing panic and financial losses, such incidents tarnish India’s international image. “We are in the era of hybrid warfare, and this includes psychological warfare,” Dwivedi explained. “Such threats are designed to create a fear psychosis among the citizens, and if not addressed seriously, they make us appear vulnerable as a nation.”

Dwivedi stressed that a synergistic and holistic approach is necessary, encompassing civil aviation, internal security, technical security, and cyber warfare. Only by combining efforts across multiple sectors can India effectively counter emerging threats and secure its aviation sector.

Cybersecurity: The Need for Technological Upgrades

The aviation industry is under immense pressure to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure. Sanjay Lazar, CEO of Avialaz, highlighted the financial impact of these hoax bomb threats, revealing that every time a threat is issued, airlines must adhere to stringent safety protocols that disrupt operations and cost millions.

“The financial impact of these hoax threats is enormous,” Lazar stated. “Flights are diverted, airports are shut down, security personnel are deployed, and planes have to be searched thoroughly. This causes massive delays, not to mention the loss of trust among passengers.”

Lazar also emphasized the importance of investing in cybersecurity to combat these threats. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, airlines and airports can detect threats before they escalate, ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency.

A Call for Stricter Punitive Measures

Experts across the board agree that harsher penalties are necessary to deter individuals from issuing hoax bomb threats. Simply placing offenders on a no-fly list, while effective in the short term, does not send a strong enough message. As Sood pointed out, these threats cause psychological and financial damage, and the punishment must reflect the severity of the crime.

“We need to send a strong message,” Vinod asserted. “Placing these people on a no-fly list is not enough. They need to face real consequences. This could include hefty fines, jail time, and in some cases, even extradition, depending on where these threats are coming from. The punishment needs to be severe enough to deter others from even thinking about posting such threats.”

In conclusion, the surge of hoax bomb threats facing Indian airlines is a multifaceted issue that requires immediate and comprehensive action. From enhancing security measures to adopting a proactive approach and implementing stricter punitive measures, it is crucial for the aviation industry and government authorities to work together to safeguard national security and restore public confidence in air travel.