Individuals who issue false threats to aircraft and other aviation facilities will now face fines of up to Rs 1 lakh, in addition to existing criminal proceedings. Following a series of false bomb threats received by airlines this year, the Union Aviation Ministry has issued new measures to combat this threat.
Furthermore, the government has now given the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) permission to “refuse admission to any person or group of persons in aircraft” or “require any person or persons to leave the aircraft,” under the new guidelines, “in the interest of security.” So far this year, about 1,000 aircraft have received false threats, costing airlines dearly and causing significant customer annoyance.
The notification, which was released on December 9, amends the presently in-effect Aircraft (Security) Rules to allow for the two activities. “29A. Reserved right of admission in aircraft… the Director General (of BCAS) may, if he is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to do so in the interest of security, issue such directions in writing to refuse admission to any person or group of persons in the aircraft or require any person or persons to leave the aircraft,” in accordance with the regulation.
Rule 30A, which was just added, states: “Prohibition to communicate false information.” False information must not be spread in order to (a) endanger the safety and security of an airplane, aerodrome, or civil aviation facility, or both; (b) incite fear in passengers, crew, ground staff, or the general public; or (c) interfere with civil aviation operations.
According to renowned aviation attorney Nitin Sarin, the penalty for breaking rule 30A (issuing fictitious threats) is the highest (sixth) level of violation and penalties, which include Rs 1 lakh for an individual, Rs 50 lakh for a small business, Rs 75 lakh for a medium-sized business, and Rs 1 crore for a large business.
