Enhanced airport security measures prompt Air India to necessitate passengers to arrive 3 hours prior to flight departures amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions
In the midst of heated tensions between India and Pakistan, 30 airports across India have been closed for commercial flights until Saturday morning. This announcement comes after an attack by Pakistani military on several border districts in India.
Commercial airlines have urged passengers to arrive at airports three hours ahead of their scheduled departure time due to heightened security measures at airports. In a statement, an airline expressed, "In view of enhanced security measures at airports, passengers are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure."
Airline Indigo mentioned, "Heightened security measures are being implemented across all airports because of these extraordinary times. We kindly request you to add some extra time to your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities."
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has instructed all airlines and airports to intensify security across the country. Passengers will undergo secondary ladder point security check (SLPC) at all airports, and visitor entry to terminal buildings has been barred. Air marshals will also be deployed as per requirement.
Akasa airlines have also advised passengers to reach the airport at least three hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding experience. They have also limited hand baggage to one piece weighing up to 7 kgs and encouraged passengers to check-in online.
With the implementation of these measures, 28 airports across India have temporarily halted commercial flights.
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Also Read: Blackouts, air defence, suspended IPL: What we know about Pak's drone attack so far
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) regarding airport closures, leading to significant disruptions in air traffic and cancellations of numerous flights. For example, at Delhi airport, between 8am and 2pm on Thursday, 90 flights were cancelled.
Tensions Between India and Pakistan
On Thursday evening, air raid sirens and loud explosions were heard in Jammu and several districts of Punjab. Following the sounds of explosions, blackouts were enforced in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat along India's border with Pakistan.
Defence sources confirmed that India's air defense systems had intercepted eight Pakistani missiles directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. The Indian Armed Forces neutralized the threat with both kinetic and non-kinetic means.
In mid-May 2025, tensions between the two countries escalated due to a series of miscalculations and military exchanges, causing significant concerns about regional stability.
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- Operation Sindoor
- Pakistan
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Enrichment Data:
In light of the recent escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, significant security measures and flight disruptions have been initiated at airports across India, particularly in the northern region.
- Identified Threats and Security Measures:
- Enhanced passenger screening at all airports with mandatory secondary ladder point checks (SLPC).
- Banning visitor entry into terminal buildings to reduce security risks and limit unauthorized access.
- Deployment of air marshals and additional security forces at vulnerable airports like Jammu Airport.
- Continuous monitoring of flight operations for drone and aerial threats.
- Nationwide preparedness exercises, including air raid sirens and readiness drills, to prepare the civil aviation sector and emergency responders for any escalation.
- Flight Disruptions and Suspensions:
- Several key northern airports, including Amritsar, Leh, Srinagar, and Jammu, have halted commercial flights due to security concerns and the Indian Air Force (IAF) taking control over sensitive airspace.
- Some flights are being rerouted to avoid high-risk areas, and certain airports in northern states remain closed until further notice.
- The tensions have caused travel anxieties leading to cancellations and postponements of trips to northern India and nearby regions, impacting the travel industry.
- In the wake of international tensions between India and Pakistan, the government has urged all airlines to implement enhanced security measures at airports.
- In addition to these measures, airports such as Amritsar, Leh, Srinagar, and Jammu have temporarily halted commercial flights due to security concerns and military conflicts.
- Furthermore, general news outlets are closely following the political events and war-and-conflicts between India and Pakistan, providing updates on Operation Sindoor and the recent missile attacks.
