Bengaluru techie's bomb hoax message costs Rs. 6.5 crore loss to aviation industry

Techie Gokul Machery's bomb hoax message to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has wreaked financial havoc on the civil aviation industry. According to authorities at KIA, it has resulted in a loss of Rs 6.5 crore.

Machery's message that included statements like, "Islamic State Wins", and "get ready to see the firework above sea today" caused panic at the airport. An Air France flight which was already in the air was called back to the airport and many other international flights and local were delayed as a result of the hoax message on WhatsApp.

According to a report in Deccan Herald, the take-offs of Lufthansa (LH-755) and Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV-5643) were aborted and passengers asked to disembark.

Police commissioner Megharik has stated that Machery's bomb hoax message has international ramifications. Landings that are not scheduled are costly and delays also result in losses. The Bengaluru police is working with the Delhi police on this case.