Airport Security at work during a bomb threat.
Why bomb hoaxes are always taken seriously?
Airlines treat bomb hoaxes as serious threats primarily for the safety of those onboard. Regardless of whether it is a hoax, every reported threat must be handled as credible until proven otherwise. This precaution ensures the security of passengers and crew. Ignoring even a false warning could have catastrophic consequences.
Aviation regulations and international laws mandate thorough investigations of all threats. Failure to comply can lead to severe penalties for airlines, including fines and potential loss of operational licenses.
On October 23, 2024, a lorry driver in Tawau, Sabah, was sentenced to 360 hours of community service by the Magistrate’s Court after joking about a bomb at the airport. He reportedly made the remark during a security inspection of a female passenger’s luggage.
Although no suspicious items were found, the man’s comments raised alarm, resulting in his immediate arrest. While he received a relatively lenient sentence, other countries impose stricter penalties for similar incidents, which can lead to detention or even imprisonment.
For example, on January 25, 2024, a man faced a 24,500 USD fine for a ‘blowing up plane’ remark on a flight from London Gatwick to Menorca. The comment, shared privately among friends, was detected by UK security services, prompting Spanish authorities to deploy fighter jets to shadow the aircraft. After the plane landed safely, the man was detained for two days before being released on bail.
India’s aviation sector recently experienced over 100 false bomb threats, prompting the government to propose some of the industry’s toughest penalties yet. Under new legislation, individuals making false claims about explosives on aircraft could face sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment.
Upon receiving a bomb threat, the captain contacts the Positive Target Identification team, which typically includes the Chief Pilot Safety, Head of Airport Security, and the Company CEO. This committee assesses the threat and categorizes it as ‘specific,’ ‘non-specific,’ or ‘onboard during flight,’ then advises the captain on whether to continue to the destination, return, or divert to the nearest airport.
On October 18, 2024, a Vistara flight from Delhi to London was diverted to Frankfurt following a social media security threat. The Boeing 787 landed safely, underwent extensive security checks, and later resumed its journey.
Security measures remain in place until it is confirmed that the threat is a hoax. Even a joke about a bomb can have serious consequences, as authorities must err on the side of caution.
Passengers should refrain from making any remarks that could be perceived as a threat. Casual jokes, such as shouting ‘Hi Jack’ in jest, can lead to detention or even jail time. It is essential to act responsibly and avoid such potentially dangerous behavior.
View a video ‘Vistara Delhi To London Flight Diverted To Frankfurt Over Mid- Air Bomb Hoax Threat’
here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BHWlfmW8oc