As tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, the Civil Aviation Ministry announced that 24 airports nationwide had been temporarily closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday evening.
A number of Indian airlines have released travel advisories in reaction to the increased threat level, advising travellers to make appropriate travel plans and comply with the more stringent security measures. The length of the closures and the rationale for the change were not disclosed by the Ministry.
Many of the impacted airports are situated near the international border or in strategically important locations, and the closures are a part of a larger security protocol. Travellers have been advised to check with airlines prior to arriving at the airport, since the grounding of civil planes is anticipated to affect connectivity in northern and western India.
All of the nation’s airlines and airports have received advice to bolster security measures from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). At every airport, every traveler will undergo a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC), also referred to as a pre-boarding inspection.
All airport terminals will conduct thorough inspections of vehicles, verify identification before to entrance, and randomly inspect passenger luggage. Terminal structures have been closed to visitors. In accordance with it, Air Marshals will be deployed. “In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, and aviation training institutes so that no untoward incident takes place in the country. Accordingly, utmost precautions need to be taken by all the stakeholders,” BCAS said in its order.
Air India said, “Due to an order from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security regarding enhanced security measures at airports, passengers across the country are encouraged to allow extra time for check-in and boarding. Check-in will close 75 minutes before departure.”
Akasa Air posted a similar notice on X, saying, “Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours prior to their departure. This is to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process. Passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry. In addition to checked baggage, only one handbag weighing up to 7 kg will be permitted. All passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding.”
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, also issued a statement, “During these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are being implemented at all airports. Travellers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
In order to manage operations and ensure passenger safety in the current geopolitical environment, aviation officials and airline employees are coordinating with national security agencies. Indian airlines halted flights at around two dozen airports in the northern and western parts of the nation this week due to heightened tensions with Pakistan.
In addition, several states have implemented border district blackouts, school closures, and leave suspensions for administrators and police officers. We simply retaliated when Pakistan pushed the issue. Pakistan has the option. At a briefing on Thursday night, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, “We only responded to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22; our approach is not to escalate the situation.”
