Round-the-clock security protocols, dedicated infra: How Mumbai airport ensures easy, safe and stress-free transport of pets

Indian Express

24-05-2025

Travelling with pets can sometimes be as anxiety-inducing for the animals as it is for the humans accompanying them. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), however, implements a structured and pet-friendly process to make the experience more transparent and stress-free for pet parents flying with their pets. From entry to departure, the airport makes sure that the pets are handled with care, ensuring their comfort and safety. These procedures are meant to make the flying experience easier for pets as well as their owners.
Passengers flying with pets can enter through any terminal gate. As cages cannot go through regular security scanners, CSMIA provides a special 'Out of Gauge' (OOG) screening process, handled by the airport's Inline Security unit.
In this process, the pet carrier in its empty state is screened separately, and accessories like leashes, collars and belts are manually scanned. Pets are taken out of their carriers while screening and then put back as soon as the inspection is done. The whole process is done only in the presence of a representative from an authorised airline to ensure coordination and compliance.
After the screening, the inline security staff seals the pet carrier and hands it over for safe transfer. It is taken to the Baggage Make-Up Area (BMA) on 'Super Out of Gauge' (SOOG) – a special elevator functioning 24×7 and is safeguarded by officials of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). All these measures ensure that pets are treated gently and reach the aircraft safely and on time.
To ensure a trouble-free travel experience, pet parents should schedule a meeting with their airline in advance. Airline staff need to be accompanied during security screening, and any lag in preparation may delay the process. Passengers are recommended to have pet accessories ready for scanning and refrain from stashing unauthorised or unnecessary items in the pet carrier.
All kinds of documentation are important as well, particularly for overseas journeys. A current health certificate issued by a licensed vet is also required.
'The travellers should know the newest import and transit regulations of their destination, as countries have varying rules. Airlines might have some rules on breed and transport mode – in-cabin or cargo, so confirming these in advance is important,' said a spokesperson for CSMIA.
With its pet-first approach, round-the-clock security protocols, and dedicated infrastructure, CSMIA is working to make pet travel easier, safer, and more humane. The airport's system ensures that travelling with pets is not just possible, but also thoughtfully managed.