Indian airlines Air India and SpiceJet have advised passengers to reach airports well ahead of their scheduled departure times as enhanced security measures are being implemented ahead of India’s Independence
Day celebrations on August 15.
The advisories cover the peak travel period in August, when many Indian expatriates in the UAE return after the summer holidays, according to a report by the Khaleej Times. The publication’s tagline says it is ‘Voice Of The UAE’.
The tighter checks are linked to heightened security measures around India’s Independence Day on August 15, when airports typically step up screening and surveillance to prevent potential security threats. Passengers arriving from the UAE could therefore face longer checks as part of these broader airport security measures.
Air India has asked passengers travelling between August 10 and 20 to allow extra time for security checks and airport formalities. The airline said the enhanced measures could lead to longer processing times.
SpiceJet issued a similar advisory for passengers travelling between August 11 and 20, asking them to arrive at airports well before their scheduled departure.
Airlines Warn Of Longer Airport Checks
Air India reportedly asked its passengers to plan for additional time because of enhanced security measures at airports during the 10-day period around India’s Independence Day. SpiceJet also warned that security checks and other airport formalities could take longer than usual, urging passengers to plan accordingly.
The advisories could affect passengers travelling through Indian airports during one of the busiest periods of the year for the India-UAE travel corridor.
Indian citizens form the largest expatriate community in the UAE, and many travel to India during the school summer holidays in July and August. A large number typically return to the UAE during the second and third weeks of August before schools reopen.
UAE Travellers Advised To Plan Ahead
The additional security measures could result in longer waiting times at check-in counters, security screening areas and other airport facilities. Passengers travelling from the UAE to India, as well as those connecting through UAE hubs, have been advised to check the latest instructions from their airlines before travelling.
Travellers are also being advised to factor in additional time at both departure and arrival airports during the affected dates to avoid disruptions to their journeys.
