If you travel by air frequently, you will know that making comments, jokes or talking about bombs in an airport is strictly prohibited. Security forces will not take it as a joke and the consequences are dire, they can even lead to immediate interrogation or even arrest. Similarly, a man was recently arrested at Cochin International Airport for making a comment about bombs during the security check.
Man interrogated at Cochin airport for saying “bomb”
According to a report in Hindustan Times (HT), 42-year-old Manoj Kumar was scheduled to fly from Kochi to Mumbai on Air India flight AI 682. At the X-ray Baggage Inspection System (XBIS), he asked a CISF officer if there was a bomb in his bag. His “bomb” remark immediately raised an alarm and this led to a thorough inspection of both his hand luggage and checked baggage by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS).
After a thorough investigation, no threat was found. However, Manoj Kumar was taken off the aircraft and handed over to the local police for further investigation. Although the passenger was taken off the aircraft due to his remark, the Air India Kochi-Mumbai flight took off as scheduled without causing any inconvenience to other passengers.
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Serious offense: Joking about “hijacking” or “bombing” during an airplane ride
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, an authoritative body that sets standards for flight security at domestic and international airports, has strict rules on airport etiquette. It warns against any threat or use of words such as “hijack” or “bomb” at airports. These words, even when uttered in jest, even by a child, are treated with the utmost seriousness. Using a word such as “bomb” at an airport can result in flight delays for the entire family.
It can also result in fines, immediate interrogation or even arrest. Also, you must absolutely avoid saying things like, “I have a bomb in my pocket.” This is considered a serious offense and is against the law.
Also read: What is tested during self-screening at Las Vegas Airport? How does this make traveling by plane easier?
So next time you travel by plane, avoid mentioning the words “bomb” or “hijacking” even in jest on the phone or to airport staff. The consequences are devastating and a joke or comment has its appropriate time and place. The airport is certainly not it.
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