MUMBAI- Last week, the airport authorities began searching for an individual responsible for a recent bomb hoax call at the Akasa Air (QP) call center.
This false threat, received at Akasa Air’s call center in Malad, claimed that there was a bomb on the Mumbai (BOM) to Bengaluru (BLR) flight. The resulting delay in flight departure by nearly seven hours and the subsequent allocation of security resources were significant consequences of this deceptive call.
Akasa Air Bomb Hoax
Upon receiving the message, the call center personnel promptly communicated it to Akasa Air’s security staff. Upon investigation, the security team discovered that the flight, carrying 167 passengers, was in the process of preparing for take-off from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (terminal 1).
The security personnel swiftly informed the flight captain about the call received at the call center. The captain, in turn, relayed this information to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, leading to the decision to halt the flight pending further instructions temporarily.
Adhering to the guidelines the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security set forth, the aircraft was subsequently isolated.
Concerned passengers on the aircraft were systematically evacuated, and their baggage was carefully off-loaded as a precaution. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and a canine squad conducted a comprehensive inspection, revealing no suspicious findings.
Ultimately, at 1:30 am on February 25, seven hours beyond its scheduled departure time, the flight successfully took off for Bengaluru.
Following the incident, Akasa Air’s security staff filed a complaint at the Airport Police station. An unidentified individual is now facing criminal charges for public mischief and intimidation.
Similar Incident
On Feb 27, 2024, a bomb threat call was reported at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi. Following an investigation, it was determined to be a false alarm.
The call, received around 5:15 am, specifically mentioned a flight from Delhi (DEL) to Kolkata (CCU) scheduled to depart from IGI airport.
Authorities implemented standard procedures, and after a thorough inquiry, it was confirmed that the call was a hoax.
“An investigation has been initiated, and a case is in the process of being registered under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code,” stated an officer.
It is worth noting that this incident follows a similar threat call from Delhi Airport in the last week of January.
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