Airports Asked to Step up Security Post Kashmir Developments

BCAS issued an advisory which stated that “civil aviation has emerged as a soft target for terrorist attacks”.

GMR-operated Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Image used for representational purposes.

(Photo: iStock)

Aviation security agency the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has asked all airports to step up security in the wake of the recent developments related to Jammu and Kashmir, reports news agency PTI.

BCAS issued an advisory on Tuesday, 6 August, to the state governments, national and private airport operators and other parties.

It stated that “civil aviation has emerged as a soft target for terrorist attacks”.

Vehicles entering airports will be subject to random security checks which will cover at least 10 percent of the vehicles till 31 August.

New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has advised passengers to reach the airport minimum three hours in advance for all domestic flights and four hours in advance for all international flights, reports ANI.

Furthermore, no visitor passes will be issued from 10 to 20 August, according to Livemint.

The advisory noted that the probability of "unlawful interference" is more from the city side of airport premises and terminals.

"All approaching vehicles will be subject to an intensive random security check at least one km away from the airport terminal or as per availability of space for such barriers/Naka/vehicles check points, which shall be sufficiently away from the airports," it said.

The government on Monday revoked provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution to withdraw the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the state into two Union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

(With inputs from PTI, ANI and Livemint)