Airlines urge early arrival as India tightens airport security amid Pakistan tensions

Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, the central government including the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) have increased flight monitoring operations in different parts of the country after security forces detected Pakistani drones near the heavily-guarded Jammu airport on May 8.

Domestic airlines in India, including Air India, Akasa Air and IndiGo have requested passengers to show up to airports early after the central government ordered that security across all Indian airports and flights be raised to the highest level with immediate effect.

"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. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation," IndiGo said on a post on social networking website X.

Similarly, Air India said that 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," Air India said in its post on X.

Akasa Air also asked passengers to ensure that they are carrying a 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," India's newest airline said.

As part of the heightened safety measures the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has ordered that all passengers at all airports across the country will need to undergo secondary ladder point security check (LPSC) or pre-boarding check, senior government officials in the MoCA said.

BCAS has also asked the Airports Authority of India and private airport operators including GMR Airports, Adani Airport and the GVK Group to ensure all CCTV cameras are in working condition.

Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, the central government including the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) have increased flight monitoring operations in different parts of the country after security forces detected Pakistani drones near the heavily-guarded Jammu airport on May 8.