The current legal framework for aviation offences, governed by the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Act, 2024, replaced the Aircraft Act of 1934
The Indian government has amended the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023, imposing stringent penalties for hoax bomb threats targeting the aviation sector. A new section, 30A, added through a recent gazette notification by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, stipulates fines of up to ₹1 crore for individuals found guilty of spreading false information that could jeopardise aircraft safety, create panic, or disrupt aviation operations.
According to the revised rules, such acts of misinformation could include threats affecting aircraft, airports, or civil aviation facilities. The government emphasised that the changes aim to enhance security protocols and deter actions that disrupt air travel or compromise public safety.
The amendments also introduced Rule 29A, empowering the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue written orders denying boarding to individuals or groups and, in certain cases, removing passengers from flights. Penalties under these provisions range from ₹1 lakh to ₹1 crore, depending on whether the offender is an individual or a larger organisation, with organisations employing up to 300 staff subject to the highest fines.
Alarming Spike In Hoax Bomb Threats
Government data highlights the pressing need for these measures. Between August 2022 and November 13, 2024, domestic airlines reported 1,143 hoax bomb threats, with an alarming 994 incidents occurring in 2024 alone. This unprecedented surge, which peaked in October, has led to the detention of two suspects: Jagdish Shriam Uikey, a 35-year-old from Gondia, Maharashtra, and a 17-year-old from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.
Addressing Legislative Gaps
The current legal framework for aviation offences, governed by the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Act, 2024, replaced the Aircraft Act of 1934. However, most offences under this act are non-cognisable, limiting the scope for filing FIRs without court approval and capping jail terms at less than two years. To address these gaps, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is considering amendments to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act (SUASCA), 1982, which classifies specific offences as cognisable.
Updated Protocols For Bomb Threat Management
The government has also revised its approach to handling bomb threats, particularly those originating from anonymous social media accounts. Previously, all threats mentioning specific flight numbers were treated as credible, requiring the affected aircraft to land at the nearest airport for inspections.
Under the updated guidelines, verified hoax threats will no longer necessitate flight diversions, thereby minimising disruptions, financial losses, and passenger inconvenience. For credible threats, air traffic control will alert the destination airport, which will mobilise emergency resources, including bomb disposal units, sniffer dogs, and evacuation systems if needed.
Enhancing Aviation Security
These amendments reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding India’s aviation infrastructure amid evolving security challenges. By addressing the rise in hoax threats and refining protocols for threat management, the revised Aircraft (Security) Rules aim to ensure safer and more efficient operations across the sector.
As the aviation industry continues to grapple with the dual challenges of rising threats and operational complexities, these measures represent a significant step toward bolstering public confidence and protecting critical infrastructure.
