Delhi Airport Strengthens Security After Red Fort Blast
In the wake of a devastating explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has issued a crucial passenger advisory. The blast, which resulted in the tragic loss of at least 13 lives and left numerous individuals injured, has prompted a significant tightening of security protocols across the national capital.
Enhanced Security Measures at the Airport
Officials at Delhi Airport have publicly announced that security screening procedures for all passengers will now take considerably longer than usual. This decision was communicated directly to travelers via an official post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The airport authorities cited the prevailing security situation in Delhi as the primary reason for these intensified measures.
In the advisory, passengers were strongly urged to plan their journey accordingly and arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight's departure. This proactive step is intended to help flyers navigate the enhanced checks without facing last-minute rushes or the risk of missing their flights. The airport assured the public that all its teams are working in close coordination with security agencies to ensure safety while minimizing inconvenience.
Airlines Echo the Advisory
The call for increased travel time was reinforced by airlines operating in the region. Akasa Air, for instance, issued its own travel update, specifically advising passengers to reach the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure. The airline highlighted that, in line with regulatory guidelines, all travelers would be required to undergo secondary security checks at the boarding gate, a process that adds another layer of scrutiny and time.
Concurrently, other security responses have been activated across the city. The historic Red Fort monument has been temporarily closed to the public for security reasons, and police forces remain on high alert. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to take over the probe into the blast, indicating the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the incident.
This coordinated response between airport authorities, airlines, and national security forces underscores a unified effort to safeguard public spaces and ensure the security of travelers during this period of heightened alert.