Leaves of CISF officials withdrawn after high alert issued at Kolkata airport

A high alert has been sounded at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport today, Friday, May 9, as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate into what is being described as a war situation. In response, the leave of all Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, responsible for airport security, has been cancelled. Personnel who were already on leave have been urgently recalled and instructed to rejoin their duties immediately.   

The heightened security measures come as the simmering conflict between the two nations has intensified following the Pahalgaon attack. India's retaliatory "Operation Sindoor" was met with further aggression from Pakistan. On Thursday night, Pakistan reportedly launched continuous drone and missile attacks targeting several locations across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Indian defence forces successfully thwarted all these attempts, preventing any damage or casualties.   

In light of this volatile regional situation, stringent security protocols are being enforced at airports nationwide. Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) have been issued for 20 airports, signalling restricted or altered flight operations. Beyond these, special security measures are also being implemented at several other strategically important airports across the country to ensure passenger safety and operational integrity.   

Specific to Kolkata International Airport, the Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is scheduled to hold a video conference later today focusing on passenger safety protocols. This follows a crucial meeting held yesterday, Thursday, May 8, 2025, where the DIG of CISF discussed security arrangements with the Director of the Airport Authority and officials from various airlines operating from Kolkata.

Strict security arrangements are visibly in place at Kolkata airport. Parking of any vehicles in the arrival and departure areas has been prohibited to minimize risk. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued directives to all airports in the country to adopt extra precautionary measures. Passengers are being strongly advised to reach the airport at least three hours prior to their scheduled flight departure, as boarding gates will now close one and a half hours before takeoff.