Travellers flying between the UAE and India have been advised to reach airports well in advance as security has been tightened at several major Indian airports ahead of Independence Day on August 15. Passengers using airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram could face longer processing times because of enhanced screening and additional security procedures. Airlines have asked travellers to keep documents ready, check flight status before leaving home and factor extra time into their journeys.
Airports across India have strengthened security arrangements as the country prepares for Independence Day celebrations.
Delhi Airport has warned passengers that screening may take longer than usual and advised them to arrive early rather than risk last-minute delays. Similar measures have been introduced at Mumbai airport, where heightened security and mandatory checks are in place from August 10 to 20.
The measures are particularly relevant for UAE residents travelling to India during the period, given the heavy passenger traffic between the two countries.
Travellers have been advised to account not only for security queues but also for possible delays caused by traffic, parking and check-in procedures.
Security has also been strengthened at airports in Kerala, a major destination for passengers travelling from the UAE.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has said additional mandatory checks will be conducted. Passengers have been asked to arrive early and keep their tickets, identification and other travel documents readily accessible.
Cochin International Airport has introduced enhanced measures following instructions from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. The stricter arrangements are scheduled to remain in place until August 20.
Passengers, baggage and cargo will face more detailed checks, while security personnel will also intensify inspection of vehicles near the airport. Visitors have temporarily been barred from entering both domestic and international terminals at Kochi until August 20.
Bengaluru airport has also warned travellers to prepare for increased passenger traffic during Independence Day week.
Passengers have been advised to leave for the airport earlier than usual and allow sufficient time for check-in and security screening. They should also remain in contact with their airlines for updates on flights and other travel information.
The combination of the holiday-period rush and heightened security could result in longer queues at different stages of the airport journey.
Major Indian carriers have separately issued travel advisories asking passengers to plan ahead.
Air India has advised travellers flying between August 10 and 20 to arrive well in advance because additional time may be required for check-in, baggage screening and security procedures.
IndiGo has also warned of longer processing times at airport checkpoints. The airline has asked passengers to account for traffic, parking, check-in queues and secondary ladder-point checks and to keep identification, boarding passes and other necessary documents ready.
SpiceJet has issued similar advice for passengers travelling between August 11 and 20.
The enhanced measures do not mean flights will necessarily be delayed, but passengers could take longer to complete airport formalities.
Travellers have therefore been advised to check their flight status before starting for the airport, comply with baggage requirements and avoid arriving close to departure time.
For the large number of UAE-based Indians travelling home during the period, the key message from airports and airlines is to build additional time into their travel plans until the heightened security arrangements are eased after the Independence Day period.