Bomb Hoax Crisis | Aviation Security Regulator in huddle with Airlines
As per sources, the meeting, which was attended by Air India Chief Campbell Wilson, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan, Air India Express MD Aloke Singh, representatives from IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air, and others, deliberated on how the system can come together to tackle security concerns arising from these recent incidents while ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers, especially during the busy festival season.
Read More: Star Air flight receives bomb threat in Lucknow; 6 flights on alert land on schedule in Mumbai
In the meeting, BCAS officials and airlines discussed strategies to enhance security protocols while minimising disruptions for passengers.
The sources added that airlines have been told to balance rigorous security measures with operational efficiency to prevent inconveniences during peak travel times.
The aim, we learn, is that airlines and stakeholders find ways to prioritise passenger comfort while ensuring that while tight security protocols are followed, they do not lead to excessive delays or discomfort.
BCAS and airlines also discussed ways to build public confidence in air travel amid the unprecedented rise in bomb threats.
On Saturday alone, around 35 flights of various Indian carriers faced bomb threats, not only causing concerns among the passengers but also putting additional pressure on already constrained airport infrastructure.
So far, starting Monday, (October 14), 70 flights have received bomb threats through social media messages and other means. All have turned out to be hoaxes, but airlines cannot afford to take chances.
Read: Passenger safety vs. financial fallout: The true cost of hoax bomb threats for airlines
Read: British Airways CEO backs airlines safety protocols amid hoax bomb threats
(Edited by : Arvind Sukumar & Akashdeep Baruah)
First Published: Oct 19, 2024 11:12 PM IST
