Seven Flights to and from Kolkata Targeted by Bomb Threats That Were Confirmed as Hoaxes

Officials at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport reported that bomb threats were made against seven flights operated by Indian carriers to and from Kolkata. These threats, received via social media on Monday, were later confirmed as hoaxes. Despite the alarming messages, all flights proceeded as scheduled.

Dr Pravat Ranjan Beuria, the Director of NSCBI Airport, stated that the threats emerged around 2:45 pm. A social media account named "I wanna slit your throat" claimed bombs were placed on seven flights associated with the Kolkata airport. Among these, five flights belonged to Indigo and two to Vistara.

Bomb Threat Assessment Committee's Response

The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) convened to assess the situation. Dr Beuria, who also chairs the committee, mentioned that after their meeting, the threats were deemed non-specific. The committee decided to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) to prevent any potential incidents.

Dr Beuria further explained that all relevant officials were notified and personnel on duty were put on alert. The posts specified certain flight numbers for both airlines, alleging bombs had been planted. The BTAC also advised following guidelines to prevent panic during such threats.

Government's Measures Against Hoax Threats

In the past 15 days, over 410 domestic and international flights operated by Indian carriers have faced similar hoax bomb threats. In response, the IT Ministry has urged social media platforms to fulfil their due diligence obligations. They are required to swiftly remove or disable access to misinformation within timelines set by IT rules.

The civil aviation ministry is also considering measures to address the issue of hoax bomb threats targeting airlines. These steps aim to ensure passenger safety and maintain operational integrity amidst such challenges.

The situation highlights the need for vigilance and effective communication between authorities and airlines. By adhering to established protocols and enhancing cooperation with social media platforms, authorities aim to mitigate the impact of these false alarms.