The Civil Aviation Ministry announced the temporary closure of 24 airports across India on Thursday evening due to escalating tensions with Pakistan, following a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
In response to the heightened threat level, several Indian airlines have issued travel advisories, advising passengers to plan accordingly and cooperate with the enhanced security protocols. However, the Ministry did not specify the duration or reasons for the closures.
These airport closures are part of a broader security measure, with many of the affected airports located near the international border or in strategic locations. The suspension of civil flight operations is expected to disrupt connectivity in northern and western India. Passengers are urged to check with airlines before heading to the airport.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has mandated additional security measures at all airports, advising airlines and airport authorities to strengthen safety protocols. Passengers will undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), or pre-boarding inspections, at all terminals. Vehicles will be thoroughly inspected, IDs will be checked for entry, and luggage will be randomly scrutinized. Access to terminal buildings will be restricted, and Air Marshals will be deployed as needed.
The BCAS emphasized the need for heightened security at all civil aviation facilities, including airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, and aviation training centers, following the recent attack in Pahalgam.
Air India advised passengers to allow extra time for check-in and boarding, with check-in closing 75 minutes before departure. Akasa Air also issued a similar notice, urging passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.
