New Delhi: In response to the increasing number of hoax threats targeting flights, airports, and aviation-related facilities, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has proposed stringent measures to deter such disruptive activities. On Tuesday, a senior BCAS official announced that individuals found guilty of issuing hoax threats could face a five-year ban from flying.
The proposal comes amid a spike in hoax threat incidents that have caused significant disruptions in flight operations and airport security protocols. The official highlighted the gravity of the situation, citing multiple instances on Tuesday where airports received messages about hidden explosives. These threats prompted comprehensive security checks, which ultimately revealed the messages to be false alarms. Despite the lack of actual danger, the thorough inspections necessitated by these hoax threats led to major disruptions in flight schedules, causing inconvenience to passengers and operational delays.
“Six individuals have been apprehended across India for their involvement in issuing these hoax threats,” the BCAS official stated. “Ongoing investigations are expected to result in further arrests.” The official underscored the serious implications of hoax messages, which necessitate rigorous checks of aircraft, passengers, and baggage, thereby straining airport resources and personnel. The BCAS’s proposed five-year flying ban aims to serve as a strong deterrent against such malicious activities. By placing perpetrators on a no-fly list, the agency intends to safeguard the integrity of the aviation sector and ensure the safety and convenience of passengers. The no-fly list, a database of individuals barred from boarding commercial flights, would be expanded to include those convicted of issuing hoax threats under the new proposal. The move has been widely supported within the aviation industry, as it addresses the need for stringent punitive measures to combat the rising trend of hoax threats. Airlines and airport authorities have welcomed the proposal, recognising the critical importance of maintaining secure and reliable aviation operations.
