Giving false bomb threat will be costly, fine up to Rs 1 lakh including ban on air travel; Amendment made in safety rules

New Delhi: Making a false bomb threat on an airplane has now become a serious punishable offence. Persons found guilty in such cases can be fined up to ₹1 lakh and may also be banned from entering aircraft. In view of the recent incidents of bomb threats targeting airlines, the government has changed aircraft security rules.

Changes in safety rules

The Civil Aviation Ministry has amended the Aircraft (Safety) Rules, 2023 to add two new provisions—Rules 29A and 30A.

• Rule 29A: The Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has been given the power to stop any person or group from boarding an aircraft.
• Rule 30A: The Director General will also have the power to order any person or group on board the aircraft to leave the aircraft.

Impact of increasing threats

According to government data, airlines received 666 threats in October 2023, while the total number of such threats reached 999 till November 14 this year. These false threats have not only disrupted airline services but also affected the safety and operations of passengers.

purpose of strict action

The government aims to curb these false threats and make the civil aviation sector safe. This amendment will make it possible to take strict action against anti-social elements who disrupt air travel.

This step is considered important towards ensuring the safety of airlines and restoring confidence among passengers.