NEW DELHI: Top aviation security officers met with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Monday to address the increasing bomb threats faced by Indian airlines, which have led to flight diversions, cancellations, and inconvenienced passengers. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) Director General Zulfiquar Hasan and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Director General Rajwinder Singh Bhatti held discussions at North Block, where they briefed Mohan on the steps being taken to manage the situation.

Over 25 Indian flights received bomb threats on Sunday, followed by more than 30 flights being targeted the previous day. This week alone, nearly 100 flights have been affected by hoax threats, causing heightened concern among security agencies.

The BCAS is responsible for setting security standards for civil aviation at both international and domestic airports across India. It plays a key role in enforcing international and domestic security practices while adapting to the evolving global aviation security landscape. The agency also coordinates inspections, monitors operations, and provides training to aviation security personnel.

The CISF, which safeguards 68 civilian airports in India with around 40,000 personnel, provides counterterrorism protection, passenger frisking, and baggage screening services.

Surge in Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupts Airline Schedules Globally

In the past week, over 70 hoax bomb threats have caused significant disruptions to airline schedules. Aviation sources revealed that a major airport temporarily ran out of isolation bays, which are essential for aircraft inspections following such threats. "Some threats even targeted flights after they had landed and passengers had already disembarked. It's alarming—over 80-90 threats in just seven days," said an official.

Several Delta Airlines flights were also impacted by these threats, including routes such as New York to London, Tokyo to Los Angeles, Seattle to London, Atlanta to Seoul, and Dallas to Atlanta. One threatening message, posted in response to a Delta customer service tweet on social media, stated: "Hi. There are bombs placed onboard 5 of your planes. No one will make it out alive. Hurry up and evacuate the plane."

Bomb Threats? Yes, Multiple IndiGo and Akasa Flights Get Threats Amid Surge in Hoaxes

Why Bomb Threats Are Targeting Mumbai-Bound International Flights

US B-2 Stealth Bombers Strike Underground Bunkers of Yemen’s Houthi Rebels