India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has been forced into action following a wave of bomb threats that targeted several international flights operating out of India, leading to emergency landings and flight diversions. On Wednesday, a high-level meeting was convened by the Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, involving senior officials from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and other key personnel responsible for aviation safety. The meeting comes after similar discussions were held earlier this week as authorities scramble to respond to the growing threats.

Social Media Bomb Threats

Reports confirm that over 10 bomb threats were received across Monday and Tuesday, with many of the threats being made on social media. According to sources from the CISF, numerous accounts responsible for posting these threats have been identified and suspended. A senior police officer commented that while some threats originated domestically, others are suspected to have come from international locations, including London.

"We are coordinating with international agencies to track down the origins of these threats and take necessary action," said a senior security official, stressing the seriousness of these bomb scares.

Another officer in charge of airport security explained the rapid response: "In the last 24 hours, we have received several bomb threats in different sectors. We treat each one seriously and coordinate with both local and international authorities to ensure passenger safety." This coordinated effort highlights the stringent protocols in place to handle such high-level security threats.

Monday's Bomb Threats: Multiple Flights Targeted

On Monday, two IndiGo international flights, operating from Mumbai to Jeddah and Muscat, received bomb threats. These threats triggered an immediate security protocol, involving comprehensive security checks on both flights before their departure.

Adding to Monday's chaos, an Air India flight en route to New York from Mumbai was also targeted. The flight was diverted to Delhi, where all passengers were disembarked, and the plane was thoroughly searched by security personnel. "Passenger safety is our top priority, and we activated all emergency protocols to ensure the situation was handled swiftly and safely," a spokesperson for Air India mentioned.

Tuesday's Bomb Threats: More International Flights Affected

Tuesday saw the continuation of bomb threats, with an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago being forced to divert to Canada. Following the bomb scare, the airline initiated a complete security re-screening of both passengers and the aircraft. In a similar incident, an IndiGo flight traveling from Saudi Arabia to Lucknow was forced to make an emergency landing at Jaipur airport after receiving a bomb threat. The plane was taken to an isolated bay, and authorities conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft.

Another significant event unfolded on the same day, involving an Air India flight from Madurai to Singapore. The aircraft received a bomb threat shortly after takeoff. As a precautionary measure, two Singapore Armed Forces jets were deployed to escort the flight over non-populated areas until it landed safely. "We were in constant contact with the airline and international authorities, ensuring passenger safety throughout the flight," said a senior security officer handling the case.

High-Level Security Response

In response to these bomb threats, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been working closely with the CISF and other key security agencies to address the ongoing threats. Ram Mohan Naidu, who chaired the meetings, emphasized the need for heightened security measures at Indian airports and coordination with global agencies to identify the culprits behind these threats. The ministry is also looking into the patterns and sources of these threats, many of which seem to have originated from social media platforms.

A senior official in airport security noted, "Every threat is taken seriously, and we can never afford to ignore any, as the safety of passengers is at stake. After each threat, we immediately inform the concerned airline and initiate all necessary security protocols." The challenge now lies in tracking the individuals behind these threats, particularly those operating from international locations.

Impact on Airlines and Passengers

The bomb threats have not only caused disruptions to flight schedules but have also created significant panic among passengers. Emergency landings, diversions, and delays have inconvenienced many travelers, while airlines are working to ensure minimal disruption to future flights. The re-screening of planes, passengers, and luggage has become a routine exercise in the wake of these scares, causing delays but ensuring thorough safety checks.

The bomb threat incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of the aviation sector to hoax threats made via social media. Authorities are now calling for stronger cybersecurity measures and greater international cooperation to prevent such threats from materializing in the future.

A Growing Concern

These bomb threats are a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required in the aviation industry. With international flights being a primary target, coordination between Indian security agencies and their global counterparts is critical to ensure passenger safety. The Civil Aviation Ministry has reassured the public that every necessary step is being taken to address these threats and minimize the risks to air travel.

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As the investigation continues, authorities remain on high alert, ensuring the safety of passengers and the integrity of India's aviation infrastructure.