NEW DELHI: In a troubling escalation of security threats, more than 90 flights in India have received bomb threats over the past week, and although these threats have been primarily classified as hoaxes, this alarming trend has caused significant disruptions in air travel, leading to delays, diversions, and heightened security measures across the country.

The recent spate of bomb threats began earlier this week, with reports indicating that at least 70 flights were affected by these threats, which were predominantly communicated through social media platforms. On October 20, alone, over 20 flights from major airlines, including IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, and Akasa, received bomb threats, prompting immediate security responses.

One of the Air Akasa flights that received the bomb threat was flying from Lucknow to Mumbai. "Some of our flights scheduled to operate on October 20, 2024 have received security alerts today. Akasa Air emergency response teams are monitoring the situation and are in touch with security and regulatory authorities," a spokesperson of Akasa Air said.

Authorities have confirmed that the majority of these threats are hoaxes, yet the impact on the aviation sector has been profound. Passengers have faced long delays and the need for extensive security checks, causing widespread panic and inconvenience. The financial repercussions of these hoaxes are also significant, with airline officials estimating substantial losses due to operational disruptions and the need for increased security measures.

Central intelligence agencies are actively investigating the source of these threats, tracing them back to IP addresses located in London and Germany. The investigation aims to identify the individuals or groups responsible for instigating this wave of fear and disruption.

The series of bomb threats has not only affected domestic flights but has also raised concerns about international travel. On Monday, three international flights from Indian carriers received similar threats, further complicating the situation for travellers and airline operators alike.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu on Wednesday expressed deep concerns over the 'disruptive acts' targeting Indian airlines, affecting domestic and international operations stating that such 'mischievous and unlawful' actions are a matter of grave concern.

Naidu also informed that the Mumbai Police has apprehended a minor responsible for issuing bomb threats to three flights, and added that all others responsible for the disruptions will be identified and duly prosecuted.