‘Arrive at airports 3 hours before departure': India tightens air security amid border tensions with Pakistan
Air India has issued a nationwide travel advisory asking passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before their scheduled departures. The advisory follows a directive from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to implement enhanced security protocols at airports across the country. Check-in counters will now close 75 minutes prior to departure.
The move comes as tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated. On Wednesday, Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, a coordinated strike on nine terrorist sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was carried out in response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.
#TravelAdvisory
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.…
— Air India (@airindia) May 8, 2025
In the early hours of Thursday, Pakistan retaliated by launching missiles and drones aimed at 15 Indian military installations, stretching from Srinagar to Bhuj. India responded by targeting air defence radars and systems within Pakistan, reportedly neutralising a key installation in Lahore.
As a result of heightened military activity, commercial flight operations have been disrupted, particularly in regions close to the border. Airports in Jodhpur, Amritsar, Leh, Jammu, and Kashmir have seen cancellations and delays, with travel agents expressing uncertainty about when normal operations might resume.
Passengers are advised to check regularly with airlines and airport authorities, and to allow additional time for travel as heightened security measures are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future.
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