Bomb Threats

Context

In response to a recent wave of false bomb threats targeting Indian airline flights, authorities have implemented updated threat assessment protocols.

New Threat Assessment Protocols

• Enhanced Criteria: Threat assessment criteria now factor in the source of the threat, such as whether it originates from anonymous accounts threatening multiple flights and if VIPs are onboard.
• Specific vs. Non-Specific Threats: The new criteria allow for greater selectivity in classifying threats as “specific,” thus minimising unnecessary disruptions.
• Centralised Coordination: Airport-specific Bomb Threat Assessment Committees (BTACs) now receive guidance from cyber experts and central authorities to make informed threat classifications.

Bomb Threat Assessment Committees (BTAC)

• As per the current practice, a BTAC is convened at a designated airport to analyse a bomb or security threat issued against an airline, airport or any part of the aviation ecosystem.
• BTAC comprises representatives from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), local police, the concerned airline, and airport operators.

About Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)

• It was initially set up as a Cell in the DGCA in 1978 on the recommendation of the Pande Committee.
• Later it was reorganised into an independent department under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 1987.
• It lays down standards and measures with respect to the security of civil flights at international and domestic airports in India.

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