Airlines have advised air passengers to reach the airport at least three hours before their flights owing to the heightened security measures.

IndiGo, in an advisory on Thursday night, said, “In these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are taken up across all airports. We request you to allow some extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”

Tata group-owned Air India, too, has asked flyers to arrive at least three hours prior to their scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding.

“In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 minutes before departure,” said Air India.

Budget carrier SpiceJet has also asked passengers to reach the airport at least three hours before departure, as per BCAS guidelines, to ensure timely security checks and boarding.

Another low-cost carrier, Akasa Air, said, “Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least three hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience. Please ensure you carry valid government approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only one handbag weighing upto 7 kg will be permitted. As per regulatory guidelines, all passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks prior to boarding.”

Meanwhile, 24 airports in the northern and western parts of the country are shut for civilian aircraft. The closed airports include Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, and Bhuj.

Most of these airports have been shut till May 10. But this may soon be extended following Pakistan’s missile and drone attacks on Jammu on Thursday, which was intercepted by Indian air defence systems.

In another development, Indian social media users have started boycotting destinations like Türkiye and Azerbaijan after these two countries came out in support of Pakistan. Travel portal EaseMyTrip issued an advisory amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. “Following the Pahalgam attack and escalating tensions between India & Pakistan, travellers are urged to stay aware. As Turkey and Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan, we strongly recommend visiting only if absolutely necessary. Stay informed. Travel responsibly,” it said in a post on X. India's largest carrier, IndiGo, operates direct flights to Baku and Istanbul.