Passengers traveling to India are urged to remain vigilant and prepare for longer wait times at airports as Canada enforces these enhanced measures to ensure safety
Canada has intensified airport security measures for passengers traveling to India, citing an “abundance of caution.” Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand announced the changes, warning travelers of potential screening delays, reported businesstoday.in.
The move comes in the wake of strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.
Adding to these concerns, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist and founder of Sikhs for Justice, issued a threat targeting Air India flights between November 1 and 19
He claims the period marks the “40th anniversary of the Sikh genocide” in India
Pannun, who holds Canadian and U.S. citizenship, has previously made similar threats, raising alarms over potential disruptions
Transport Canada has implemented temporary security protocols, with screening conducted by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). Measures include additional X-ray screening of carry-on luggage, physical passenger checks, and hand swab testing for traces of prohibited substances. These changes are already operational at Toronto airports, prompting Air Canada to advise passengers to arrive earlier than usual.
The heightened security measures align with broader concerns about aviation threats. Recently, an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit, Canada, following a bomb threat. While no explosives were found, the incident underscores ongoing security challenges.
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