India Tightens Security at Airports Amidst Threat to Air India Flight

India’s aviation authorities have swiftly taken action following a threat issued by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). In a video message, Pannun warned of a potential threat to an Air India flight scheduled for November 19, urging Sikhs to abstain from travelling on that date due to a “global blockade.”

Heightened Security Measures Implemented

As a direct response to this threat, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has ordered heightened security measures across key aviation facilities in India. To ensure the safety and security of the country’s aviation assets, several precautions have been put in place.

Visitor Entry Pass Restrictions

One significant action taken by BCAS involves a temporary halt in the issuance of visitor entry passes by airport operators in Delhi and Punjab. This decision aims to limit access to secure areas within the airports and to keep a close eye on those who have permission to enter.

Visitor Entry Ticket Ban

Furthermore, the sale of visitor entry tickets at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has been banned until further notice. This measure is aimed at restricting the number of individuals present on the airport premises, ensuring a controlled and secure environment.

Ongoing Threat Messages

The BCAS has based these measures on ongoing threat messages from central agencies, which have raised concerns about the safety of civil aviation installations across India.

This includes airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, and aviation training schools.

Enhanced Security at Airports

To bolster security efforts, a 100% secondary ladder point check (SLPC) requirement has been enforced for all Air India flights at 161 airports, including those in Punjab.

This comprehensive check ensures that each passenger and piece of luggage undergoes rigorous scrutiny, enhancing the overall safety of air travel.

Precautionary Response

It is essential to emphasize that these security measures are being taken as a precautionary response to the threat issued by Pannun. The primary objective is to safeguard aviation facilities and passengers amid heightened concerns.

Timing of the Threat

This threat has surfaced just days before the ICC World Cup final scheduled for November 19, intensifying the urgency of these security measures. Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of passengers and aviation infrastructure during this heightened period of vulnerability.

As the situation develops, authorities are expected to remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving security landscape, with a focus on the safety of all passengers and aviation personnel.