Govt Asks Airlines, Airports To Enhance Security Measures, Air Marshals To Be Deployed

(MENAFN- Live Mint) India's aviation security watchdog on Thursday asked all airlines and airports across the country to enhance security measures.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) said all passengers at all airports will undergo secondary ladder point security check (LPSC) and visitor entry to terminal buildings has been banned.

As part of the security measures, air marshal will also 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, aviation training institutes... so that no untoward incident takes place in the country," BCAS said in an advisory.

Also Read | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air issue advisory as Pakistan attacks Jammu, Rajasthan Also Read | Amit Shah meets top officials after Pakistan's attack on Jammu and other areas

The development comes after Pakistan targeted several Indian cities on Thursday evening.

According to a ANI report citing defence sources, India's air defence units intercepted and blocked Pakistan's eight missiles targeted at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia in J&K.

Explosions were heard as Indian air defence intercepted Pakistani drones in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir .

Pakistani drones were intercepted by Indian air defence in Jaisalmer.

Among other measures, the BCAS has called for thorough scrutiny of PNR (Passenger Name Record), passenger and cargo manifest as well as full search of aircraft and catering services of planes.

Around 27 airports in the country have been closed in the wake of the 'Operation Sindoor', under which Indian armed forces carried out strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed 26 people on April 22.

Airlines issue advisory to passengers

Following the BCAS advisory, Air India has asked passengers to reach airport at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure of their flights.

"In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 mins before departure," the airline said in a post on X.

Akasa Air said that due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, passengers are requested to reach the airport at at least three hours prior to departure of their flights. "Please ensure you carry valid government approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only 1 hand bag weighing upto 7 kgs will be permitted. As per regulatory guidelines, all passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks prior to boarding," the airline said in a post on X. In a post on X, IndiGo said that in these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are taken up across all airports.

"We request you to allow some extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities," it added.

MENAFN08052025007365015876ID1109525815