22 Oct 2024 | 05:50 PM UTC
India: Authorities likely to maintain heightened security at airports nationwide through at least mid-November /update 2
Tight security likely at airports in India through at least mid-November after publicized threat. Air India flight disruptions likely.
Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened posture at airports across India through at least mid-November in response to several potential security concerns, including a publicized threat purportedly posted on the Internet by a leader of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The SFJ is an outlawed group advocating for Punjab to secede from India and form an independent Khalistan state. The threat specifically warned travelers to avoid taking Air India (AI) flights Nov. 1-19; it did not, however, provide any indication of actions planned by the SFJ. A similar publicized threat was issued in November 2023 when an SFJ leader warned members of the Sikh community to avoid taking Air India flights for a certain duration.
The alleged threat comes after several months of hoax bomb threats, especially on social media, that have disrupted domestic and international flights operated by major Indian airlines—including Air India Express (IX), Akasa Air (QP), IndiGo (6E), SpiceJet (SG), and Vistara (UK)—prompting emergency landings, evacuations, and flight diversions. Notably, an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was rerouted to New Delhi before being evacuated for an explosives search. Any additional bomb threats against air travel will likely cause similar flight disruptions. In response, officials in India have launched investigations to determine the nature of these incidents and conducted counterterrorism drills at various airports, prompting related flight delays. The government has also deployed additional air marshals as a precaution.
In recent months, bomb threats have also impacted other public locations, such as hospitals and shopping malls, including those in the National Capital Region (NCR). While most bomb threats have been hoaxes, they have nonetheless prompted authorities to impose heightened security measures, including evacuation orders and cordons, in affected locations. Further bomb threats will likely prompt officials to implement similar security measures as well as launch search operations. Localized ground transport and business disruptions may affect any areas subject to cordons and road closures. Isolated security incidents cannot be ruled out.
Reconfirm the status of flights before departure. Do not check out of accommodations without confirming onward travel. Plan for localized business and travel disruptions, particularly if operating near regularly impacted sites. Depart an area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Heed all official directives. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.
