Fake bomb emails trigger major checks at Hyderabad airport
HYDERABAD: Fake bomb threat emails are unsettling aviation security personnel as well as passengers. Officials said the number of such messages has doubled over the past year, raising concern across the aviation ecosystem.
18 hoax mails to Shamshabad airport this year
From January to date, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Shamshabad, received 18 hoax emails. Cyberabad police have opened inquiries on all complaints and have so far sent four accused to remand.
Personal grudges behind several threat mails
Investigators said multiple motives are emerging. Some accused sought to escalate personal disputes into fear-inducing threats, while others attempted to shift blame onto someone else.
In one case, a tech worker, upset that her boyfriend refused marriage, allegedly sent bomb threat emails from his account to several airports, including Shamshabad and sports venues across the country. Gujarat police first uncovered the deception; Shamshabad airport police later arrested her and produced her in court.
Police also identified others who acted out of personal resentment an airline passenger angry with staff, a mentally unstable software employee, and a minor boy. Officials said several emails were sent using special apps rather than regular email platforms, with a few originating from overseas. In some recent cases, multiple threats were traced to the same sender ID. Shamshabad police have already filed four cases and remanded four individuals.
Flights diverted, passengers delayed
The impact has been significant: some aircraft have been forced to return mid-air, while others were diverted to nearby airports. On December 6, bomb threat emails to three international flights led to a Kuwait-bound aircraft being sent back to Kuwait.
Since early November, more than ten bomb threat emails have been received by RGIA’s customer support. At least six domestic flights were diverted. These disruptions have caused long delays and distress for passengers and financial losses for airlines.
Security drill begins immediately after alert
Upon receiving a threat email, airport security declares a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) alert and initiates extensive checks. Bomb and dog squads examine all identified locations. Police register a case and begin inquiry on all possible angles.
“We are taking bomb threat emails very seriously. Four accused have already been remanded. With support from cybercrime and intelligence units, we are examining every angle. Several accused sent emails due to personal or psychological reasons,”
— B Rajesh, Shamshabad DCP
