Vistara Flight Diverted after Bomb Threat Fears, Lands in Frankfurt
In response to a bomb threat on social media, a Vistara flight from Delhi to London made an emergency landing in Frankfurt, Germany, on Friday. The airline confirmed early Saturday morning that the aircraft has landed safely and security checks are being carried out. The airline says that the flight will take off for its destination once clearance is received from appropriate security agencies.
The flight UK17 operating from Delhi to London on 18th October 2024 received an online security threat through the Aircraft Operations Control centre. In due process of the procedure, the authorities were informed, and the pilots diverted the aircraft to Frankfurt as a precautionary measure."
Akasa Air too was subject to security scare
In the latest incident, Akasa Air said that flight QP 1366 from Bengaluru to Mumbai received a security alert just before takeoff on Friday. Passengers were safely deplaned, and necessary checks were performed at the hands of local authorities. Akasa Air is seen to be exerting its efforts to create minimal inconvenience to passengers.
Bomb threats are on the rise within Indian airlines
In the last couple of days, almost 40 flights run by Indian carriers received bomb threats. Those threats turned out to be hoaxes, but the civil aviation ministry is trying to be better prepared to handle such incidents by introducing sterner regulations - including putting the culprits on a no-fly list.
Speaking to the media, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu revealed that most threats so far seem to be from individuals, minors, or pranksters. One notable instance involved Air India's flight from Mumbai to London that received a bomb threat, upon which the Royal Air Force mobilized a fighter jet for the escort of the aircraft. The aircraft landed safely in London.
Bomb Threat Accounts Blocked Through Social Media
These hoax bomb threats, officials said, have identified and blocked some 10 social media accounts associated. Cyber security agencies, in conjunction with the aviation and intelligence teams, have suspended these accounts. Common wording noted in these threats consists of alarming language such as "bombs," "explosive devices," and "this is not a joke," among others.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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