Government orders 100% pre-boarding checks for all flyers at all airports; steps up aviation security to higher level

NEW DELHI: Govt has raised security at Indian airports and flights to the highest level with immediate effect. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) Thursday ordered all passengers at all airports across the country will need to undergo secondary ladder point security check (LPSC) or pre-boarding check. Also, visitor entry to terminal buildings has been banned. Airport operators have been ordered to ensure all CCTV cameras are in working condition.

Air India, accordingly, asked passengers to reach "airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding” following the BCAS order "on enhanced measures at airports”.

Air marshal deployment will be aligned accordingly. Intensive checking of vehicles and persons will be undertaken at the approach ( naaka) to airport terminals/installations and parking areas of airports. Proper checking of IDs of passengers and staff before entering into the airport premises apart from random checking of passenger baggage before entering the airport premises will be done.

“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. Accordingly, utmost precautions need to be taken by all the stakeholders,” the BCAS says in its order.

The enhanced security steps include increased surveillance; strict on-ground monitoring of for operations of microlite aircraft, aero models, para glider, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones; deployment of additional security guards at aircraft; thorough scrutiny of PNR, passenger and cargo manifest.

All checks for anything or person entering an aircraft are being raised to the highest level. Govt has ordered “strict monitoring of non-scheduled flight operations including air ambulance and enhanced security measures and surveillance at cargo and general aviation terminals.”

Security has been stepped up for cargo at airports too. Cargo being accepted and credentials of the person/company booking the same will be checked thoroughly.