The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry has revised its security rules for aircraft amidst a surge in hoax bomb threats to airlines. The revised guidelines aim to prevent fake threats and ensure prompt responses to real threats. Key changes include:
1. Enhanced protocols for assessing hoax threats: Airlines and security agencies must now collaborate to verify threats before making any announcements.
2. Streamlined communication: A designated person will be responsible for communicating with passengers, pilots, and security personnel to ensure effective coordination.
3. Revised threat classification: The ministry has created a new category for hoax threats, allowing for proportionate responses to minimize disruption.
4. Increased monitoring: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will conduct regular monitoring of security systems and response plans to ensure compliance with guidelines.
5. Airline responsibility: Airlines will be held accountable for taking corrective action against passengers found responsible for making hoax threats.
6. Passenger education: The ministry will raise awareness among passengers about the severity of making false bomb threats and the consequences of doing so.
The revised rules aim to strike a balance between ensuring passenger safety and preventing unnecessary panic and disruptions caused by hoax threats. The changes will be enforced effective immediately.