Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have urged travelers to arrive at airports at least three hours prior to their scheduled departures. This precautionary measure aims to accommodate enhanced security checks following an advisory from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
The BCAS has implemented strict guidelines, banning visitor access to terminal buildings and introducing mandatory secondary ladder point checks for all flights. This secondary security measure involves re-checking passengers and their hand luggage just before boarding, complementing the existing primary security protocols.
Air India announced the changes on social media, emphasizing the importance of allowing sufficient time for check-in and boarding. They noted that check-in closes 75 minutes before departure. IndiGo echoed this sentiment, requesting that passengers prepare for extended travel times to ensure smooth compliance with security measures.
The heightened security response follows a failed aerial attack by Pakistan aimed at various military installations in India, specifically targeting Jammu. As tensions soared, the Indian air defense systems successfully thwarted the threat. The attempted strikes led to widespread alerts across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan, prompting local officials to advise residents to stay indoors due to emergency protocols being enforced.
On Thursday, approximately 430 domestic flights were canceled, representing nearly three percent of the total flights scheduled across the nation, as 27 airports remain closed until May 10 due to the security situation. This follows a significant disruption a day earlier, where over 300 flights were canceled and operations at 21 airports were suspended.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the media, clarifying India’s stance on the recent escalation and affirming that India’s actions in response to provocations from Pakistan have remained targeted and restrained, focusing on non-civilian and non-military sites.
As these developments unfold, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and patient during this challenging time, and authorities are working diligently to ensure safety and security at airports.