On Monday, in response to nearly 100 bomb threats directed at flights since October 14, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced that the government is prioritising passenger safety through proposed amendments to existing aviation regulations. These amendments aim to designate individuals making such threats as ineligible for air travel and classify these actions as cognizable offences, subject to penalties and fines.
During a press conference, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu acknowledged that while the majority of the threats have been identified as hoaxes, the Ministry of Civil Aviation adheres to stringent protocols established by international standards. He stated, “Each threat is assessed individually, and our response has been efficient and dynamic,” emphasising the serious implications of the threats, which resulted in the diversion of eight flights.
To fortify security measures, the Minister indicated that amendments to the Aircraft (Security) Rules and the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (SUASCA) Act, 1982, are under consideration. Consultations with other governmental ministries are ongoing to facilitate these regulatory changes. Additionally, collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and state law enforcement agencies is underway to expedite investigations related to the threats.
Additionally, the Mumbai Police have taken into custody a 17-year-old male for allegedly issuing threats against multiple flights, purportedly to implicate a friend in a financial dispute. The Mumbai and Delhi Police have registered over a dozen FIRs related to these threats. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu concluded by affirming that the collective efforts of relevant authorities will enhance aviation safety and security in the forthcoming days.
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