Amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan that came after Operation Sindoor, which the Indian Armed Forces launched on terror hotbeds in Pakistan and PoK to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in the Valley, Indian airports have been put on high alert. All the airlines have put out travel advisories for passengers. Among them, one crucial one is that the passengers will have to undergo a security check twice.
Travel advisory issued by Air India
“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,” said Air India in a statement, adding that “check-in closes 75 mins before departure”.
IndiGo’s travel update
IndiGo has also urged passengers to arrive early at the airport and allow them extra time for security checks.
“In these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are being taken across all airports. We request you to allow some extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” wrote IndiGo on X.
In a separate statement, the airline said that bookings made on or before May 8 to or from a select few airports are eligible for a change or cancellation fee waiver. These are – Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Rajkot.
‘Check-in online, carry valid ID’: Akasa Air
Much like Air India and IndiGo, Akasa Air too issued travel advisory for its flyers. While it urged passengers to reach three hours before their scheduled departure, it also urged passengers to check-in online to save time.
“Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience,” Akasa Air said in a statement.
It added, “Please ensure you carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only 1 handbag weighing up to 7 kgs will be permitted.”
It further said that all passengers, per the regulatory guidelines, will have to undergo a second round of security checks prior to boarding.
“To save time, we encourage you to check in online on akasaair.com or our mobile app. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding, and look forward to welcoming you aboard the Akasa experience,” the statement further said.
‘Check-in closes 75 mins before departure’: SpiceJet
“We request all our passengers to reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure, as per BCAS guidelines, to ensure timely security checks and boarding,” read an important advisory issued by SpiceJet
It added, “In compliance with a directive from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security regarding enhanced security measures, all passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to their scheduled departure. Check-in counters will close 75 minutes before departure.”