All Airports Across India Placed on Maximum Alert Amid Intelligence Warning

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued a high-level security directive placing all Indian airports and aviation facilities on maximum alert. The advisory, effective from September 22 to October 2, follows intelligence inputs indicating a credible threat from hostile entities, including suspected cross-border terrorist groups.

The BCAS circular mandates immediate implementation of elevated security protocols across all categories of aviation assets ranging from major international hubs to regional airstrips, helipads, flying schools, and maintenance bases. The directive underscores the need for 24/7 surveillance, reinforced perimeter security, and enhanced access control, particularly at high-footfall terminals and cargo handling zones.

Airports have been instructed to:

• Intensify manual and electronic screening of passengers, baggage, cargo, and mail.

• Conduct randomized security drills and contingency plan reviews in coordination with CISF and local law enforcement.

• Ensure full operational readiness of CCTV systems, explosive detection equipment, and access control mechanisms.

• Restrict entry of non-essential personnel and enforce strict ID verification for all staff, contractors, and vendors.

Airlines and Ground Handlers: Compliance and Coordination

Airlines both scheduled and non-scheduled are required to reinforce security checks at all operational touchpoints. This includes:

• Pre-flight security sweeps of aircraft and airside equipment.

• Verification of cargo manifests and screening of high-risk consignments.

• Crew and ground staff briefings on threat indicators and emergency protocols.

  
  

Ground handling agencies must ensure that ramp operations adhere to tightened access norms, with real-time reporting of anomalies to airport security control rooms.

The alert stems from actionable intelligence regarding potential sabotage attempts linked to a Pakistan-based terror outfit. BCAS has called for multi-agency coordination, involving the Intelligence Bureau (IB), CISF, state police, and airport operators, to maintain a unified threat response framework.

Aviation security committees at each airport have been directed to convene daily briefings, assess vulnerabilities, and ensure that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are dynamically adapted to the evolving threat landscape.

Airlines are expected to issue travel advisories and adjust turnaround schedules to accommodate the enhanced security footprint. Training sessions for frontline staff are underway to ensure procedural clarity and passenger engagement under high-alert conditions.

Maldives’ national carrier, Maldivian, operates scheduled flights to Indian cities such as Trivandrum and Kochi, facilitating both leisure and essential travel between the two nations. With India currently under heightened airport security measures, these international services are also subject to increased monitoring. Passengers traveling on Maldivian flights to India are advised to stay informed of any operational updates and adhere to revised security protocols as necessary.