Bomb scares: As airlines foot the bills, here’s what they can do to mitigate risks

Over the past 30 days, airlines in India have experienced an unusually high number of bomb threats, all of which have turned out to be hoaxes. Over this period, at least 20 flights have been targeted with bomb threats, particularly in a concentrated wave that began around mid-October. This means flights were targets of these bomb threats once in two days.

Apart from the panic and subsequent trauma it creates among passengers, the airline's financial loss is huge. In India, the financial impact of a bomb scare can be significant. Given the additional complexities of bomb threat management in India, including heightened security protocols and coordination with multiple agencies, the financial burden can increase further if delays stretch over several hours or days, as in the Air India case.

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When a bomb threat leads to flight diversions, like the recent incident with an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York that was redirected to Delhi, the costs accumulate from several sources. Although exact figures specific to India are rarely disclosed, global estimates suggest that such incidents can cost airlines between ₹25 lakh for short-haul flights and around ₹4 crore per incident, depending on factors such as flight diversion, passenger compensation, security deployment, and operational disruptions. Such financial loss are likely to weigh in on airlines, which will show up in “extraordinary items” under the profit and loss account. Extraordinary items refer to income or expenses that arise from events or transactions that are unusual and infrequent in nature.

The major expenses for airlines in case of a bomb scare include emergency landing fees, refuelling, security inspections, passenger rebooking, hotel accommodations, and compensation for delays. Additionally, operational disruptions create ripple effects, impacting passenger convenience and subsequent flights.

Costs incurred by airlines due to bomb scare

Let us examine the various costs involved in the event of a bomb scare.

1. Direct costs:

1. Emergency landing fees:

• If the flight is diverted, airports impose fees for unscheduled landings.
• Additional costs include taxiing, parking, and towing.

2. Fuel dumping or additional fuel costs:

• The aircraft may have to dump fuel to land safely or refuel after a diversion.

3. Security and evacuation costs:

• Screening passengers, baggage, and the aircraft.
• Deployment of bomb squads and emergency response units.

4. Aircraft grounding:

• A thorough inspection may require grounding the aircraft for several hours or even days.

5. Compensation to passengers:

• Airlines may need to arrange meals, hotels, or rebooking for delayed or diverted passengers.
• Some passengers may claim additional compensation under EU or other aviation regulations.

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2. Indirect costs:

1. Loss of passenger trust and bookings:

• A bomb scare might deter passengers from flying the airline, especially if it garners significant media attention.

2. Operational disruption:

• Cancellations or delays can disrupt airline schedules, affecting future flights.
• This ripple effect can require chartering other planes to accommodate disrupted flights.

3. Regulatory fines:

• In some instances, airlines might face penalties from aviation authorities for inadequate security protocols.

4. Legal expenses:

• Airlines could face lawsuits if the scare was due to negligence (such as poor baggage checks).

5. Insurance premiums:

• Future premiums may increase if the airline frequently experiences or mishandles bomb scares.

Also Read: 13 in 3 days: Frankfurt-Mumbai Vistara flight makes emergency landing after bomb threat

Examples of cost estimates:

• In 2020, Ryanair's bomb scare in Greece led to a diversion and reportedly cost over €100,000 for rebooking and operational changes.
• In 2015, a Turkish Airlines flight diverted to Halifax cost several hundred thousand dollars in direct and indirect expenses.
• Industry estimates suggest that even a mild disruption caused by a false alarm may cost airlines between $50,000 and $500,000, depending on the circumstances.

This variability reflects the different scales of incidents, such as whether it involves fuel dumping, long delays, and the need for security teams or re-routing flights.

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Airlines are increasingly incorporating potential costs from bomb threats into their operational budgets. This includes anticipating expenses for crew overtime, passenger accommodations, and logistical challenges that arise from flight delays. While many costs associated with bomb threats are not covered by insurance, airlines are assessing risk management strategies that could mitigate financial losses in the long term.

Specific & non-specific bomb threats

Airlines differentiate between specific and non-specific bomb threats based on the details provided in the threat communication.

Specific

Definition: A specific bomb threat includes explicit details such as:

• Flight number
• Date and time of departure and arrival
• Origin and destination of the flight

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Response protocol: When a threat is classified as specific, it triggers a comprehensive security protocol. This may involve diverting the aircraft to the nearest airport, offloading passengers and baggage, and conducting thorough security checks on the aircraft and its contents.

Non-specific

Definition: Non-specific threats lack clear identifiers; they do not mention:

• Any particular airline
• Flight number
• Specific dates or schedules

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Response protocol: In non-specific cases, immediate action is not taken. The threat is often treated with scepticism, and only extensive drills are conducted if further evidence suggests a credible risk.

Evaluation process

Upon receiving a bomb threat, airlines typically convene a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC), which includes representatives from security agencies and airline officials. This committee assesses the threat's credibility based on its specificity, timing, and source. If deemed specific, all necessary security measures are implemented; if non-specific, operations may continue without significant disruption.

This structured approach helps airlines manage potential risks effectively while maintaining safety protocols.

To mitigate the risk of bomb scares, airlines can adopt a multi-faceted approach that enhances security protocols and fosters collaboration among various stakeholders.

Also Read: Hoax bomb threats affect 500 passengers on 3 flights from Mumbai

Here are several strategies:

Enhanced security protocols

1. Strict pre-departure checks:

• Implement comprehensive security screenings for passengers, baggage, and cargo before boarding. This includes using advanced scanning technologies and sniffer dogs to detect explosives.

2. Clear protocol for threat response:

• Develop detailed procedures for pilots and crew to follow when a bomb threat is received. This includes protocols for emergency landings, passenger communication, and post-landing security checks.

3. Training and drills:

• Conduct regular training sessions for flight crews and ground staff on handling bomb threats effectively. Simulated drills can help prepare teams for real-life scenarios.

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Technological innovations

1. Real-time monitoring systems:

• Invest in technology that enables real-time monitoring of communications related to potential threats. This can help quickly identify and respond to threats before they escalate.

2. Anonymous reporting mechanisms:

• Implement systems that allow passengers and staff to report suspicious behaviour or items anonymously, encouraging vigilance without fear of retribution.

Also Read: Hoax bomb threats: Mumbai cops detain 17-year-old boy from Chhattisgarh

Collaboration with authorities

1. Stricter legal measures:

• Advocate for harsher penalties for individuals making hoax threats, including creating a no-fly list for offenders. This could serve as a deterrent against future incidents.

2. Engagement with cybersecurity experts:

• Work with cybersecurity professionals to track down individuals making threats via digital means, such as social media or VPNs, which complicate identification efforts.

3. Government coordination:

• Collaborate closely with government agencies to ensure that regulations are updated and enforced effectively, addressing loopholes that allow hoax threats to increase.

Despite taking all these measures, bomb threats will always loom large for the airlines, but by implementing these strategies, airlines will be in a better position to handle them, enhance overall passenger safety, and minimise operational disruptions.