Arrive 3 hours early: Airlines as Centre steps up security amid Pak attack
Several airlines, inclduing Air India, Akasa Air and Indigo, issued statements to passengers requesting them to arrive three hours early as Centre stepped up security at all airports amid the ongoing attack by Pakistan. However, there is no ban on passengers' entry, the government said.Air India wrote, "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."advertisementAkasa Air and IndiGo also issued similar advisories shortly after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) directed all airlines and airports across India to enhance safety protocols as Pakistan continued to fire a barrage of missiles and drones on Thursday night in an unprovoked escalation.
Akasa Air, in its travel advisory, said, "Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience."All passengers are also advised to carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. All passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding.IndiGo wrote on X, "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."advertisementAccording to sources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, every passenger at all airports will now be subjected to a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC) before boarding.Additionally, visitor entry into terminal buildings has been banned with immediate effect as part of heightened security measures. The deployment of Air Marshals will also be carried out as required, the sources added.The latest moves come amid the ongoing attachk by Pakistan as the Indian defence system shot down missiles and drones across various cities in border states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Punjab.Meanwhile, as many as 24 airports are closed till May 10 and hundreds of flights face cancellations as tensions continue to rise between the two neighbouring countries.Airspace over Pakistan and India's western corridor—from Kashmir to Gujarat—was notably clear of civilian air traffic on Thursday, as per Flightradar24 data. In response to the escalating tensions, most foreign carriers rerouted their flights, steering clear of the sensitive region.Tune InMust Watch
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