New Delhi: The Civil Aviation Ministry has said that 24 airports across the country have been temporarily closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday evening amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which soared further after a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
In response to the elevated threat level, several Indian airlines have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to plan accordingly and cooperate with the enhanced security checks. The Ministry did not specify the duration of the closures or the reasons behind the move.
The closures are part of a broader security protocol, with several of the affected airports located close to the international border or in strategically significant areas.
The grounding of civil flights is expected to impact connectivity in northern and western India, and travellers have been urged to check with airlines before heading to the airport.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has advised all airlines and airports in the country to strengthen security measures.
All passengers will go through a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC), often known as pre-boarding inspections, at all airports.
Vehicles will be carefully examined at all airport terminals, IDs will be checked before admittance, and passenger luggage will be scrutinised at random. Visitor entry to terminal buildings has been prohibited. Air Marshals will be deployed accordingly.
“In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, and aviation training institutes so that no untoward incident takes place in the country. Accordingly, utmost precautions need to be taken by all the stakeholders,” BCAS said in its order. (IANS)
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