India’s Independence Day weekend is officially here! And if India is on your travel itinerary, you’ll want to give yourself more time at the airport. Because of heightened security, extra screening and possible traffic delays in place across several airports, you definitely need to plan ahead to avoid a lot of airport stress. Lucky for you, we’ve broken down all the important travel details you need to know before you fly.
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India Independence Day Travel: What UAE Travellers Should Know
India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15. And this time, travellers can expect additional security measures at airports and major transport hubs. For UAE residents flying to India around the national holiday. And so the biggest takeaway is simple. Get to the airport earlier than usual and be prepared for longer processing times. ravellers should:
- Arrive early: Give yourself extra time for check-in, security screening and boarding.
- Complete Air Suvidha 2.0: International passengers arriving in India are required to submit the online health declaration before travelling.
- Keep your confirmation handy: Have your declaration details, passport, identification and boarding pass easily accessible.
- Expect longer queues: Additional passenger and baggage screening could mean longer waits at security checkpoints.
- Check your flight: Confirm your departure time and flight status with your airline before setting off.
- Allow extra time for traffic: Increased traffic and road restrictions could affect journeys to some airports.
- Follow baggage rules: Make sure both cabin and checked baggage meet your airline’s requirements.
- Cooperate with security teams: Additional screening may be carried out at several airports.
- Avoid leaving things until the last minute: Build a generous buffer into your journey, particularly if you are travelling during busy periods.
It is also worth checking your airline’s website or app before leaving home to be aware of any last-minute changes to your flight or schedule!
Delhi Airport – Expect Extra Time At Security
Passengers flying to Delhi should prepare for tighter security around Independence Day. In fact, Delhi Airport has advised travellers to arrive earlier than usual. This is because security screening may take longer during the heightened security period.
There are also restrictions affecting heavy vehicles and interstate buses entering Delhi from Gurugram and Faridabad. This will be around the August 13 full-dress rehearsal and August 15 celebrations. If you are landing in the capital and have another journey planned afterwards, allow additional time for both airport procedures and travel through the city.
Mumbai Airport – There May Be Longer Security Checks
Travellers using Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport should also plan ahead. Heightened security measures are in place from August 10 to 20. And passengers warned that mandatory checks could take longer than normal. Arriving early is particularly important. This is if you are travelling during busy periods, as extra screening could add time to the usual check-in and security process.
Bengaluru Airport – Prepare For Busier Travel
Kempegowda International Airport is expecting higher passenger volumes around the Independence Day weekend. This is in addition to enhanced security measures. Passengers flying through Bengaluru should also leave enough time for check-in, security screening and other airport procedures. If you are travelling during a peak departure period, arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare is extremely helpful!
Kochi Airport – Prepare To Go Through Enhanced Security Until August 20
Cochin International Airport (CIAL) has stepped up security measures, with enhanced surveillance and stricter screening of passengers, baggage and cargo continuing until August 20. Travellers may also face additional checks before boarding.
Another important change for visitors is that their access to the domestic and international terminal buildings will not be permitted during this period. Passengers are advised to arrive earlier than usual and allow extra time for the additional procedures.
Thiruvananthapuram Airport – Expect More Checks In Place
Passengers travelling through Thiruvananthapuram International Airport should also expect additional mandatory security checks. As with all previous airports, travellers are advised to arrive early, keep their travel documents within easy reach, and allow extra time to complete security procedures. Make sure to have your passport, boarding pass and other required documents ready so that the security and departure process is smoother.
Airlines Advising Passengers To Arrive Early
The heightened security measures are not limited to individual airports. Airlines operating flights between the UAE and India have also issued early-arrival advisories for passengers travelling during the Independence Day period.
1. Air India: Passengers travelling between August 10 and 20 have been advised to reach the airport well ahead of their scheduled departure because of enhanced security measures.
2. IndiGo: Passengers have been warned that processing times could increase at various checkpoints. Travellers should factor in additional time for traffic, parking, check-in and security.
3. SpiceJet: Passengers travelling between August 11 and 20 are advised to arrive well before their scheduled departure time.
Air Suvidha 2.0: What Travellers Need To Do
There is another important step UAE travellers flying to India need to complete before their journey. India has relaunched its Air Suvidha portal as Air Suvidha 2.0. This requires international passengers arriving in the country to complete a mandatory online health declaration.
The requirement applies to international passengers arriving in India, regardless of nationality or their departure city. Basically, any Indian citizen travelling back to India is also required to complete the declaration, including those with no travel history to affected countries. Travellers should submit the declaration online before heading to the airport. It also helps to keep their confirmation details accessible throughout the journey.
UAE Travellers – Don’t Forget To Build In Extra Time
If you are flying from the UAE to India around August 15, the best way to avoid unnecessary travel-day stress is to prepare before you leave home. Be sure to check your flight status and complete the Air Suvidha 2.0 declaration. Don’t forget to review your airline’s latest instructions and leave earlier than you normally would.
With enhanced security measures in place at several airports until August 20, queues and processing times may be longer than usual. So, if you’re travelling to India during the Independence Day weekend, pack your passport, check the travel requirements, and give yourself plenty of breathing room at the airport. Don’t forget to keep reading Gulf Buzz for more UAE travel updates and handy travel tips.
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