The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday announced that 32 Indian airports will be closed till 5:29 am on May 15 for all civil flight operations. The Airports Authority of India also extended the temporary closure of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs) due to operational reasons.
“Airlines and flight operators have been advised to plan alternate routings as per current air traffic advisories. The temporary closure is being managed in coordination with relevant ATC units to ensure safety and minimize disruption,” reads a notification by the ministry.
The following airports will remain closed till May 15.
Adhampur
Ambala
Amritsar
Awantipur
Bathinda
Bhuj
Bikaner
Chandigarh
Halwara
Hindon
Jaisalmer
Jammu
Jamnagar
Jodhpur
Kandla
Kangra (Gaggal)
Keshod
Kishangarh
Kullu Manali (Bhuntar)
Leh
Ludhiana
Mundra
Naliya
Pathankot
Patiala
Porbandar
Rajkot (Hirasar)
Sarsawa
Shimla
Srinagar
Thoise
Uttarlai
Civil aviation security enhanced across India
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has instructed all airlines and airports across the country to enhance security measures. All passengers at all airports will undergo a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC). Visitor entry into terminal buildings has been banned. Air Marshals will be deployed accordingly, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation Sources.
“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, aviation training institutes… so that no untoward incident takes place in the country,” BCAS said in an advisory.
Ensuring 100 per cent serviceability of all CCTVs at airports and “deployment of in-flight security officers in flights based on prioritisation/randomisation” are among the other directions. Also, BCAS has suggested enhanced security measures and surveillance at city side of airports in coordination with local police.
Among other measures, thorough scrutiny of PNR (Passenger Name Record), passenger and cargo manifest as well as full search of aircraft and catering services of planes are being ensured. Security measures and surveillance have been enhanced at cargo and general aviation terminals.
Airlines ask passengers to reach airports at least three hours prior to journey
Meanwhile, airlines are urging passengers to reach airports which are operational with extra time in hands to accommodate enhanced security checks and formalities.
“In these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are taken up 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,” IndiGo said in a post on X on Thursday evening.
Other airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa Air have also urged passengers to reach airports at least three hours prior to journey.
