Nagpur police have unraveled the identity of the man behind an unprecedented surge of bomb threats that disrupted nearly 100 flights across India in recent weeks, revealing Jagdish Uikey, a 35-year-old author from Gondia, Maharashtra, as the culprit. The investigation traced the threats to Uikey, whose carefully orchestrated emails and social media messages claimed explosives on flights and terrified hundreds of passengers, while costing airlines and authorities millions in security expenses and rerouting costs.

Uikey, who remains at large, is believed to have sent bomb threats to prominent government officials and aviation authorities, prompting severe security responses. Authorities reported that in a span of just 13 days, the threats affected over 300 flights, forcing security agencies and airlines to adopt emergency protocols that led to mass delays, fuel wastage, and passenger accommodation costs. This bomb scare has caused extensive alarm and disrupted travel across major routes, especially for Air India and Vistara flights, which have been repeatedly targeted in this wave of threats.

The cost of chaos: bomb threats force major airline losses

Among the disruptions, several high-profile flights were affected, including Air India’s flight to New York and a Vistara flight to London, which were diverted mid-journey following the hoax threats. Such diversions come with significant expenses; for example, the New York-bound Air India flight had to jettison over 100 tonnes of fuel to facilitate a safe landing, costing the airline approximately ₹1 crore ($120,000). This figure only covers the operational aspect, with further expenses in additional crew, landing charges, and passenger lodging driving the total estimated losses into crores of rupees.

Vistara reported similar impacts with its diverted flights incurring not only fuel costs but also high operational expenses. The psychological toll on passengers has also been substantial, as countless travelers experienced sudden disruptions and panic, amplified by extensive security measures.

Aviation security responds with stricter protocols

Following the identification of Uikey as the prime suspect, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the situation, underscoring that his ministry is “fully committed” to curbing this alarming trend. Naidu shared that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is examining amendments to current regulations, proposing stricter punitive measures for individuals responsible for hoax threats, including possible inclusion on a no-fly list. He confirmed that all relevant agencies, including the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), are collaborating on new protocols to protect travelers and prevent future disruptions.

Additionally, BCAS Director-General Zulfiqar Hasan reassured the public of Indian skies’ safety, emphasizing that new standard operating procedures are underway to fortify response mechanisms against future incidents.

Expert insights: a growing need for cybersecurity in aviation

According to aviation security experts, this incident has highlighted an urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within India’s aviation sector. By leveraging fake social media accounts and encrypted communication methods, perpetrators can trigger disruptions without being physically present, complicating detection efforts. This method of issuing threats also presents challenges to tracking and apprehending offenders promptly.

An analyst specializing in cyber threats to infrastructure, noted that the digital nature of these threats calls for “a robust, cross-border cybersecurity network” as such threats often have international ramifications. Ranjan urged aviation stakeholders to collaborate on a comprehensive framework addressing both immediate response measures and preventive digital security protocols.

In the meantime, Nagpur police continue their hunt for Uikey, who remains elusive. Authorities have intensified their efforts, deploying specialized units in pursuit of the fugitive, prioritizing public safety and aiming to restore confidence in the security of air travel across the country.

  Air India, BCAS, Gondia, Jagdish Uikey, K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Maharashtra, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Nagpur, Vistara, Zulfiqar Hasan