Indian airlines Air India and SpiceJet have advised passengers to reach airports well ahead of their scheduled departure times as enhanced security measures are introduced ahead of India’s Independence Day celebrations on August 15.
The advisories cover a period that is expected to be particularly busy for travellers, including Indian expatriates returning to the UAE after the summer holidays. Many Indian families living in the Gulf travel to India during July and August before returning ahead of the new school term.
Air India said passengers travelling between August 10 and 20 should allow additional time for security screening and other airport procedures.
The airline said enhanced security measures were being implemented at airports and urged travellers to arrive well before their scheduled departure to avoid disruption.
SpiceJet issued a similar warning covering passengers travelling between August 11 and 20.
The budget airline said additional time could be required for security checks and airport formalities during the period and encouraged passengers to plan their journeys accordingly.
The measures could result in longer waiting times at check-in counters, security checkpoints and other airport facilities, particularly during busy travel periods.
The timing is significant for passengers travelling between India and the UAE, one of the busiest international travel corridors for Indian expatriates. Indian citizens make up the largest expatriate community in the UAE, with large numbers travelling to India during the summer school holidays.
Many are expected to return during the second and third weeks of August as schools prepare to reopen.
Passengers travelling from UAE airports to India have therefore been advised to monitor updates from their airlines and allow additional time for airport procedures. Those making connecting journeys through major UAE aviation hubs may also need to account for longer processing times.
Airlines have not indicated that flights will be cancelled as a result of the enhanced security measures, but travellers could face delays if airports experience heavier passenger volumes and additional screening requirements.
Passengers have been encouraged to complete online check-in where available and ensure they have all required travel documents ready before reaching the airport.
The security measures are expected to remain in place around the Independence Day period, with both carriers urging customers to plan ahead.
For travellers flying between August 10 and 20, arriving early could help reduce the risk of missing flights because of longer security checks or airport formalities.
