Heightened Surveillance at Delhi's IGI Airport Following Intelligence Input

Strategic Insights -

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued an order directing all stakeholders to maintain "heightened surveillance" at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport following intelligence inputs suggesting a potential attack. This directive comes after a general advisory warning airports of possible threats from "anti-social elements" was issued by BCAS. The order was sent to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indian Air Force (IAF), airport operators, and police commissioners. The heightened security measures include the deployment of in-flight security officers, additional security personnel stationed at aircraft, and support from state special forces.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BCAS order was dated August 5 and directed all stakeholders to maintain "heightened surveillance" at IGI Airport following intelligence inputs suggesting a potential attack.
  • The order also noted that central agencies have flagged possible threats to airports from anti-social elements or terrorist groups during the period between September 22 and October 2, 2025, ahead of Independence Day.
  • Enhanced security measures include the deployment of in-flight security officers, additional security personnel stationed at aircraft, and support from state special forces to assist the CISF with perimeter security.
  • Full checks of aircraft and catering services will be carried out, alongside strengthened anti-terror and anti-sabotage measures.
  • Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed at all airports, and Secondary Ladder Point Checking (SLPC) has been made mandatory for all flights until August 20.
  • The order also directed that personnel responsible for handling emergency situations, including threat calls and messages, be properly briefed to ensure timely and accurate information flow.
  • The issuance of airport entry passes has been suspended from August 10 to August 20.

Statistics:

  • The directive was sent to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indian Air Force (IAF), airport operators, and police commissioners.
  • The heightened security measures are to be implemented until August 20, and the issuance of airport entry passes has been suspended for 10 days.
  • The period between September 22 and October 2, 2025, has been flagged as a possible threat to airports by central agencies.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times, August 8 (no date was explicitly provided in the original text)

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission.