New Delhi: In response to a rising number of bomb threats targeting flights, the central government has announced plans to double the deployment of Air Marshals on flights departing from various airports across the country.
A senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed that this decision comes after assessing the increasing threats and gathering information from intelligence agencies.
"The new batch of Air Marshals will be assigned to recently added international routes identified as sensitive based on intelligence reports. This decision was reached following multiple meetings with all stakeholders involved in aviation security," the official said.
Air Marshals, who are part of the National Security Guard (NSG) and specialize in anti-terrorism and anti-hijacking operations, primarily operate on international flights and select domestic routes.
These Sky Marshals are armed, plainclothes security personnel who travel aboard passenger aircraft. They were introduced in India in 1999 following the hijacking of Air India flight IC 814 in Kandahar, aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. Equipped with firearms, they have the authority to intervene in case of a hijacking attempt.
Reports indicate that flights heading to Kabul (Afghanistan), Kathmandu (Nepal), Colombo (Sri Lanka), certain routes in Canada, and several destinations in the Middle East are classified as sensitive. The number of Sky Marshals assigned to each flight varies between two and six, depending on the assessed threat level.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation convened a high-level meeting after over ten bomb threats were reported on social media on Monday and Tuesday.
Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu held discussions with the Bureau of Civil Aviation, CISF, and other senior officials regarding airport security in light of these threats.
Singapore Scrambles Fighter Jets After Bomb Threat on Air India Express Flight
Air India Express Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Ayodhya Scaring Bomb Threat
Air India Flight from Mumbai to New York Diverted to Delhi Due to Bomb Threat
You may also like
CRPF to Take Over VIP Security as Govt Orders Withdrawal of NSG Commandos
Towns are revealed where home buyers can save up to £50,000 buying a property
Hot mess: Shraddha Kapoor paired opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Dhoom 4: Report
Rs 900 crore in Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 account already: Reports
Anjum Chopra backs Harmanpreet as India's best long-term captain choice
I'm an ex-Archbishop of Canterbury and this is why I changed my mind on assisted dying
Kyle Walker's web of lies that saw marriage crumble - love children and 'secret double life'
Mum shares simple 'porch rule' for naming babies to avoid future regrets
Congress Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala accuses Mahayuti govt of "misleading" people
Ted Cruz bets Texas re-election on transgeder issues
'My son has come back': Father of Renukaswamy, victim of actor Darshan, welcomes grandson
Bangladesh Drop Khaled Ahmed For First Test Against SA; Shakib To Play Final Test Series
"Parliament building made on Waqf land," claims AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal
Megan McKenna posts candid postpartum update 10 days after giving birth
Keir Starmer's thin skin becomes evident during heated exchange with Rishi Sunak at PMQs
Govt Raises MSP for Rabi Crops, Offering Pre-Diwali Relief to Farmers
Designated Khalistani terrorist Pannun says he shared information against India with Trudeau's office
F1 driver turns on his own team and then worries 'they're going to kill me'
Coronation Street star's exit confirmed in emotional post after fans feared death twist
Marking begins at Deepotsav venues in Ayodhya, Yogi govt to also begin beautification of key routes