New Delhi: In a troubling trend, at least 15 flights have been subjected to hoax bomb threats in 2025 alone, pushing the total count of such incidents to a staggering 833 since 2020, according to official data.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, citing figures from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday that airline operators have faced an increasing number of fake bomb threats over the years.
The latest data shows that in 2025, threats were reported across multiple airlines: IndiGo (7), Air India (4), Lufthansa (2), Malindo (1), and American Airlines (1). The previous year, 2024, saw a massive spike with 728 hoax threats, significantly higher than the 71 recorded in 2023.
A closer look at the data reveals an erratic but concerning rise:
- 2022: 13 threats
- 2021: 2 threats
- 2020: 4 threats
Despite the surge, aviation authorities remain vigilant. “BCAS has mandated strict security protocols in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, central security agencies, CISF, and other stakeholders to minimize operational disruptions,” the minister stated in a written reply.
To counter such threats, a Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP) is in place, ensuring swift and coordinated responses. Additionally, BCAS has issued advisories to civil aviation stakeholders to enhance security measures and prevent any unlawful interference with airline operations.
The rise in hoax threats presents a serious challenge to the aviation industry, prompting authorities to tighten surveillance and implement stronger deterrents against such disruptions.
