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Airports advise three hour early arrival as security measures tighten

The order also banned visitors' entry at airport terminal buildings, and emphasised on 100 percent secondary ladder point checking.

South First Desk

Published May 09, 2025 | 11:57 AM ⚊ Updated May 09, 2025 | 1:00 PM

Airport

Airport

Synopsis: Amid heightened India-Pakistan border tensions, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has enforced stricter airport security, including secondary ladder point checks and cargo screening. Passengers are advised to arrive three hours before departure. Visitor entry is banned at terminals. 

Amid rising tensions across the India- Pakistan border, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has ordered to enhance security measures at the airport.

Due to which the passengers are asked to arrive at the airports three hours prior to scheduled departure, to ensure a smooth check-in.

The order also banned visitors’ entry at airport terminal buildings, and emphasised on 100 percent secondary ladder point checking.

Announcing the same, Air India wrote on X: “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.”

Following which, several other airlines have also issued similar advisories.

Also Read: India intercepts Pakistan drone strikes in Jammu

BCAS order

According to an Indian Express report, passengers will face an extra layer of security with secondary ladder point checks, involving screening of both individuals and cabin baggage just before boarding.

Airports will also conduct random baggage checks at entry, stricter ID verification, and thorough cargo screening. Aircraft and catering services will undergo full security checks, CCTV systems must be fully operational, and more ground staff and state security forces will be deployed to boost overall airport safety.

“In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes, etc so that no untoward incident takes place in the country. Accordingly, utmost precautions need to be taken by all stake holder,” the BCAS order stated.

‘Arrive three hours prior’

On Friday, 9 May, the Bengaluru airport, announced, “Passengers travelling through BLR Airport are advised to arrive at least three hours prior to departure in light of heightened security measures. Please check with your airline for latest updates. Your cooperation is highly appreciated.”

Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Hyderabad and Mangaluru airport too wrote: “In view of enhanced security measures, passengers may experience longer wait times at the airport. We recommend arriving well in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

Meanwhile, Chandigarh, Srinagar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, Shimla, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Porbandar, and 13 other airports in the north and western regions of India have been closed.

Rising tensions along the border

On Thursday, 8 May night, explosions and sirens were heard near the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir’s Rajouri and Poonch, some areas in Punjab and Rajasthan, reportedly after a Pakistani drone attack was foiled by India’s air defence system. Several areas of these states experienced blackouts as well.

Reports indicate that eight missiles from Pakistan were directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia, which were intercepted, blocked by Air Defence Units.

Due to suspected shelling by Pakistan, blackouts were enforced in the Pathankot and Amritsar districts of Punjab. A precautionary blackout was enforced in Ramban in Jammu and Kashmir following an unsuccessful attack by Pakistan along India’s western borders.

Meanwhile, Defence sources said the Indian Air Force used its S-400 air defence systems on Wednesday night to stop an aerial attack launched by Pakistan. The Pakistani attack, aimed at military targets in north and west India, was in response to India’s Operation Sindoor.

Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab governments have said that schools, colleges, and universities across the states will remain closed for three days from Friday.

Also Read: “Barbaric Pahalgam attack was the first escalation”: MEA on Operation Sindoor

(Edited by Sumavarsha)

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