Indian government mulls putting culprits of hoax bomb calls on ‘no-fly list’

New Delhi, India

In the wake of multiple hoax bomb threats being sent to airlines, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that safety is the top priority of the government and that they are amending the rules to place people who make such hoax calls on the no-fly list. 

The government is also considering making such threats a cognisable offence and including provisions for fines and punishment.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday (Oct 21), Naidu said that although the threats were found to be hoaxes, his department as well as the airlines are following a strict protocol. 

"It is a very sensitive situation when it comes to such threats; there is an international procedure that we have to follow," the minister said.

Also Read: India: Aviation ministry summons airline CEOs as hoax bomb threats reach 30; tougher penalties in discussion

Speaking to the media personnel in the national capital, Naidu emphasised two key areas in which legislative action can be taken.

“We have identified two approaches we can explore. First, we are looking at amending the Aircraft Security Rules. One of the proposals is to include individuals responsible for such threats on the no-fly list. Second, we are examining amendments to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982,” said Naidu.

The minister said that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Ministry of Home Affairs have been working together to handle the escalating threats. 

“We are continuously working with the Home Ministry to monitor and respond to these incidents,” Naidu said.

Working towards a common goal, says minister over hoax bomb calls

The series of hoax bomb alerts started this week when threats were issued to three international flights operated by Indian carriers.

"If you look at the last week, eight flights have been diverted. Each threat is assessed individually and our response has been efficient and dynamic. We are also not compromising on safety and security. Even though most of them are hoax threats, we cannot take them lightly. The lives of passengers are important, the security situation is important and protocol is important. We have enhanced security at airports," said the minister.

Watch: Hoax Bomb Threats Impact Several Indian Flights

Naidu said that the protocol is extremely rigid and strict procedures are being followed. He added that they have held various meetings with the airlines and are trying their best to reduce the inconvenience to passengers.

"We are all working towards a common goal. Even one plane getting diverted or delayed is not what we want... There has to be some kind of deterrent and that is what we are doing with our planned amendments to the rules and the Act. We are working with the Ministry of Home Affairs and state law enforcement agencies to speed up the investigations into the threats. The safety and security of passengers and their convenient travel is our utmost priority," Naidu said.

"With the collective efforts of everyone, we are going to see a much better picture in the coming days," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)