The Civil Aviation Ministry has said that 24 airports across the country have been temporarily closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday evening amid escalating tensions
NEW DELHI — The Civil Aviation Ministry has said that 24 airports across the
country have been temporarily closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday
evening amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which soared
further after a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu,
Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
In response to the elevated threat level, several Indian
airlines have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to plan accordingly
and cooperate with the enhanced security checks.
The Ministry did not specify the duration of the closures
or the reasons behind the move.
The closures are part of a broader security protocol,
with several of the affected airports located close to the international border
or in strategically significant areas.
The grounding of civil flights is expected to impact
connectivity in northern and western India, and travellers have been urged to
check with airlines before heading to the airport.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has advised
all airlines and airports in the country to strengthen security measures.
All passengers will go through a Secondary Ladder Point
Check (SLPC), often known as pre-boarding inspections, at all airports.
Vehicles will be carefully examined at all airport
terminals, IDs will be checked before admittance, and passenger luggage will be
scrutinised at random. Visitor entry to terminal buildings has been prohibited.
Air Marshals will be deployed accordingly.
"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."
With the current geopolitical climate remaining
unpredictable, aviation officials and airline staff are working in coordination
with national security agencies to manage operations and keep passengers safe.
Due to increased tensions with Pakistan, Indian airlines
suspended aircraft operations at more than two dozen airports in the country's
northern and western regions this week.
Many states have also imposed school closures, border
district blackouts, and a suspension of leave for police officers and
administrators.
"Pakistan pushed the situation, and we just
retaliated. The choice is with Pakistan. Our approach is not to escalate the
situation; we only responded to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April
22," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a briefing on Thursday
evening.
