Canada Lifts Enhanced Security Screening for Flights to India
The Canadian government has ended heightened security measures for travelers to India. These precautions, introduced after a bomb scare, were lifted despite diplomatic tensions with India. Passengers can now expect standard screening procedures at Canadian airports.
The Canadian government has announced the termination of additional security screenings for flights to India, which were briefly introduced due to safety concerns. The decision, confirmed by Transport Minister Anita Anand’s office, follows a period of heightened security that began earlier this week.
A Precautionary Measure
The increased security checks were initiated after a bomb scare involving an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago last month. The flight was diverted to Iqaluit, Canada, due to a suspected threat, but no explosives were found onboard. The incident led Transport Canada to enforce extra security as a precautionary measure for travellers heading to India.
Additional Screening Measures Implemented
Since last weekend, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has been conducting thorough checks on passengers and baggage before allowing access to restricted areas in airports. These additional screenings aimed to ensure the safety of passengers travelling to India amidst rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
The security measures were implemented during a time of diplomatic strain between Canada and India. Tensions heightened following accusations by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of Indian government agents being linked to criminal activities in Canada, including cases of murder and extortion. In response, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, and India issued a reciprocal expulsion.
