"Will Amend Laws To Deter Hoax Callers": Civil Aviation Minister On Bomb Threat Calls

After nearly 100 flights received bomb threats in seven days since October 14, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has said safety is the government's top priority and rules are being amended to put people who make such calls on the no-fly list. Making such threats will also be made a cognisable offence, with provisions for punishment and fines.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Mr Naidu said even though the threats have turned out to be hoaxes, there is a strict protocol that is followed by his department and airlines. "It is a very sensitive situation when it comes to such threats, there is an international procedure that we have to follow," he said.