Entry of visitors barred at all airports by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security

NEW DELHI: Air passengers will not be able to see off their friends and family till inside the airport terminal, as Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has barred entry of visitors at all airports across the country.

"In view of the present security scenario Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued an advisory for all Indian airports banning the entry of visitors and sale of entry tickets. Accordingly, the sale of entry tickets for visitors will remain suspended till further notice at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi," said a release from Delhi International Airport Ltd, the company that operates the Delhi airport.

The airport operator also 'advised that the domestic passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the departure and International passengers arrive at least three hours prior to the departure.'

The decision by BCAS follows individual announcement by airlines requesting passengers to arrive much before the stipulated time due to security reasons. While Air India had asked passengers to come three hours before the scheduled time of departure, IndiGo had announced to close its check in counter 60 minutes before the fight departure time.