Arrive 3 hours early: Airlines urge early arrivals, airports tighten security

Air travel across India will be facing significant disruptions due to heightened cross-border tensions. In response to the volatile situation, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has mandated enhanced security protocols at airports nationwide. In order to accommodate increased security inspections, major airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have issued advisories advising travelers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure.The BCAS rule includes several stringent limitations to enhance passenger safety. One of the most crucial of them is the implementation of Secondary Ladder Point Checking (SLPC), which requires passengers and their hand bags to undergo an additional security check immediately prior to boarding. Additionally, entry for visitors into airport facilities has been limited to lessen possible security risks.Read more: United States' green card to Dubai's golden visa: 10 residency cards in other countriesAirlines have promptly communicated these changes to travelers. Air India announced that check-in counters will close 75 minutes before departure, emphasising the need for early arrival. Similarly, SpiceJet and Akasa Air have advised passengers to reach airports well in advance and to carry valid government-issued photo identification for verification purposes.More than 20 airports in northern and western India, including important hubs like Amritsar, have temporarily suspended operations in tandem with the increased security measures. Both domestic and international travel have been impacted by the extensive flight cancellations and rerouting caused by these restrictions.Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have canceled a number of flights.On certain international flights, detours that skirt Pakistani airspace have resulted in delays of up to four hours.Delhi Airport has said that operations are continuing as usual in spite of these difficulties, while certain aircraft might be affected by the altered airspace and increased security. It is recommended that travelers only rely on official sources for information and check with their individual airlines for the most recent updates.Read more: 6 best places in India to spot leopards (without losing your mind)As a result of the current situation, which has raised concerns worldwide, nations such as Australia have revised their travel recommendations. Many countries have advised their citizens to exercise caution, stay informed, and avoid areas that are prone to conflict when traveling.Given the ongoing geopolitical unrest, travelers are advised to keep up with the most recent events and adjust their travel plans accordingly. In order to prioritize passenger safety and minimize inconveniences wherever possible, airlines and airport authorities are keeping a careful eye on the situation.