Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, the Civil Aviation Ministry has announced the temporary closure of 24 airports across the country for civil flight operations as of Thursday evening.
In response to the heightened security threat, several Indian airlines have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to plan ahead and cooperate with enhanced security checks.
While the Ministry did not specify the duration of the closures, officials indicated that the affected airports are primarily located near the international border or in strategically sensitive areas.
The suspension of civil flights is expected to significantly impact air connectivity across northern and western India. Travellers have been advised to check with airlines before proceeding to airports.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has directed all airlines and airport operators nationwide to bolster security measures. Passengers will be subject to Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), or pre-boarding inspections, at all airports. Vehicle checks at terminal entrances, strict ID verification, and random baggage screening will also be conducted. Entry of non-travellers into terminal buildings has been temporarily prohibited, and Air Marshals will be deployed as needed.
“In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and the surcharged security environment, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all civil aviation installations—including airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, and aviation training institutes—to prevent any untoward incidents. All stakeholders must exercise the utmost caution,” BCAS said in an official directive.
Airlines Respond with Advisories
Air India issued a statement saying, “Due to an order from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security regarding enhanced security measures at airports, passengers across the country are encouraged to allow extra time for check-in and boarding. Check-in will close 75 minutes before departure.”
Akasa Air posted a similar advisory on X, urging passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to departure. “Passengers must carry a valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry. In addition to checked baggage, only one handbag weighing up to 7 kg will be permitted. All passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding,” the statement read.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, also released a statement: “During these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are being implemented at all airports. Travellers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
Aviation officials and airline personnel are working closely with national security agencies to manage operations and ensure passenger safety as the geopolitical climate remains unpredictable.
In addition to the suspension of aircraft operations at more than two dozen airports in northern and western India, many states have implemented precautionary measures such as school closures, power blackouts in border districts, and suspension of leave for police personnel and administrative officers.
Commenting on the situation, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a briefing on Thursday evening, “Pakistan pushed the situation, and we just retaliated. The choice is with Pakistan. Our approach is not to escalate the situation; we only responded to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.”
(IANS)
