In a disruptive incident that unfolded at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, a bomb threat hoax call received at the Akasa Air call centre triggered a series of security measures, causing a Mumbai-Bengaluru flight to be delayed by nearly seven hours. The deceptive call, which turned out to be a malicious prank, not only inconvenienced 167 passengers but also prompted a comprehensive response from security agencies, highlighting the challenges faced by the aviation industry in addressing emerging security threats.
The Akasa Air call centre, situated in Malad, received the alarming call at 6:36 pm on a Saturday. The unidentified caller falsely claimed the presence of a bomb on the 6:40 pm Mumbai to Bengaluru flight, prompting immediate action from the airline’s security personnel. With the aircraft in the final stages of preparing for take-off, the security staff promptly relayed the information to the flight captain, who, in accordance with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security guidelines, decided to halt the departure and isolate the aircraft.
passengers aboard the flight, unaware of the unfolding situation, were carefully evacuated, and a meticulous inspection, led by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad along with canine units, ensued. Despite the thorough examination, no suspicious items were discovered, affirming the false nature of the bomb threat. The flight, originally scheduled for a 6:40 pm departure, eventually took off for Bengaluru at 1:30 am on February 25, after a comprehensive security clearance.
Akasa Air’s security staff promptly filed a complaint at the Airport Police station, resulting in the registration of a criminal offense against the unidentified perpetrator for public mischief and intimidation. The incident underscores the potential ramifications of hoax threats on aviation operations, necessitating continued vigilance and swift response mechanisms to ensure passenger safety and operational integrity. The airline industry remains committed to enhancing security protocols in the face of evolving challenges to maintain the trust and confidence of the flying public.
