Canada lifts extra security screening for India-bound flyers: What it means

Canada has lifted the additional security measures for passengers flying to India. The measures, put in place by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority a few days ago were designed to enhance airport security following heightened concerns amid a diplomatic rift between the two countries. However, they caused significant delays and long queues of passengers were seen at airports.

Background

The additional screening, including thorough checks of passengers and their baggage, were introduced after a bomb threat on an Air India flight travelling from New Delhi to Chicago in October. The flight was diverted to Iqaluit, Canada, after the threat was detected. Following a thorough inspection, no explosives were found, but the incident heightened security concerns.

More recently, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued a public warning against flying Air India between November 1 and 19, citing the “40th anniversary of the Sikh genocide” in India. Pannun, a dual Canadian and US citizen, has a history of making similar threats.

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What were the additional measures

The enhanced security measures involved a series of strict procedures, including hand swabs to detect traces, X-ray screening of carry-on bags, and physical screenings of passengers. These procedures were carried out by CATSA, the agency responsible for ensuring airport security before passengers entered restricted areas.

On Friday, passengers affected by the measures were alerted by airlines, with Air Canada issuing a notification: “Due to heightened security mandates by Transport Canada for all passengers travelling to India, security wait times are expected to be longer than anticipated for your upcoming flight,” Hindustan Times reported.

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“To minimise any disruption to your travel plans, we recommend you arrive 4 hours prior to your flight’s departure. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”

Why measures were lifted

The Canadian government did not provide a specific reason for rolling back the security measures, but it came shortly after reports of significant delays at airports as a result of the screenings. The rollback of the measures was confirmed by the office of Transport Minister Anita Anand, who had previously introduced the protocols “out of an abundance of caution,” as per CBC News.

What this means for travellers

For now, the rollback of the enhanced security measures means a return to normal screening procedures for passengers flying to India. The extra checks, which had added hours to airport processing times, are no longer in place, providing relief to travellers impacted by the delays.

The decision to implement the additional screening measures came at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil – allegations that India has firmly denied, labelling them “absurd” and “motivated.”