Dubai, United Arab Emirates: UAE residents travelling to India around Aug. 15 should allow extra time at airports as enhanced security measures are introduced across several major Indian gateways for Independence Day.
India will mark its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, Aug. 15, with additional screening and security arrangements expected at airports and other major transport hubs.
The measures could mean longer queues at check-in, security and boarding points, particularly during busy travel periods.
What UAE travellers should do
Passengers flying from the UAE to India should check their airline’s latest flight information before leaving for the airport and build additional time into their journey.
Travellers should also have their passport, identification, boarding pass and other required documents readily accessible during airport processing.
Airlines have advised passengers to allow extra time for traffic, parking, check-in, baggage procedures and security screening.
Travellers should also make sure their cabin and checked baggage comply with their airline’s requirements to avoid additional delays.
Delhi airport advises passengers to arrive early
Passengers travelling to Delhi should expect additional security measures around the Independence Day celebrations.
Delhi airport has advised travellers to arrive earlier than usual because screening procedures could take longer.
Road restrictions are also being implemented around the capital during the Independence Day period. Restrictions affecting heavy vehicles and interstate buses from Gurugram and Faridabad could add to journey times for passengers travelling to the airport.
Mumbai airport increases security measures
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai has announced heightened security arrangements from Aug. 10 through Aug. 20.
Passengers have been advised to allow additional time for mandatory security procedures and airport processing.
The extended measures cover the Independence Day travel period and could affect passengers travelling during peak hours.
Bengaluru expects higher passenger volumes
Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is also preparing for increased passenger numbers during the Independence Day weekend.
Travellers have been advised to reach the airport with sufficient time to complete security screening and other formalities.
For UAE residents connecting onward from Bengaluru, additional processing time should also be factored into the overall itinerary.
Kochi tightens security through Aug. 20
Cochin International Airport has increased surveillance and screening measures, with enhanced security arrangements scheduled to continue through Aug. 20.
Passengers and baggage will be subject to additional checks before boarding, while access for visitors to the domestic and international terminal areas will be restricted during the period.
UAE residents travelling to Kerala should therefore allow additional time for both airport arrival and security procedures.
Thiruvananthapuram passengers face additional checks
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has also warned travellers that additional mandatory security checks will be conducted.
Passengers have been advised to arrive early and keep their travel documents available to help speed up processing.
Airlines reinforce early-arrival advice
Airlines serving UAE-India routes are also preparing passengers for longer processing times.
Air India has advised passengers travelling between Aug. 10 and 20 to reach the airport well ahead of their scheduled departure.
IndiGo has warned that traffic, parking, check-in and security procedures could take longer during the period.
SpiceJet has issued similar advice for passengers travelling between Aug. 11 and 20.
Air Suvidha 2.0 remains an important pre-travel step
Passengers arriving in India from the UAE should also complete the required Air Suvidha 2.0 online health declaration before travelling.
The requirement applies to international passengers arriving in India, including Indian citizens returning from overseas.
Travellers should complete the declaration before heading to the airport and retain their confirmation details for the journey.
UAE residents can review the latest requirements through the official Air Suvidha portal before departure.
How UAE travellers can avoid unnecessary delays
For passengers flying to India during the Independence Day period, a few extra preparations can make the journey smoother:
- Check the flight status directly with the airline before leaving home.
- Arrive earlier than the normal airport recommendation.
- Complete all required online declarations before travelling.
- Keep passports, boarding passes and confirmation documents accessible.
- Allow additional time for road traffic and airport parking.
- Check baggage allowances and prohibited-item rules before packing.
- Follow instructions from airport security and airline staff.
With enhanced security measures continuing at several Indian airports through Aug. 20, UAE travellers should expect a busier airport experience and avoid leaving their journey to the last minute. Airlines and airports may issue further updates as Independence Day operations continue.
