Canada Lifts Enhanced Security Measures For Passengers Flying To India Days After Imposing It

The Canadian government has lifted the enhanced security measures that had been imposed on passengers flying to India.

Transport Minister Anita Anand's office confirmed to CBC News on Thursday that these measures have now been "lifted."

The additional security screenings had been in place since at least last weekend, with Anand stating on Monday that the heightened measures were being implemented "out of an abundance of caution" for passengers travelling to India.

Air Canada notified passengers heading to Indian destinations over the weekend, advising them that "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."

The notification, shared with Hindustan Times, further stated, "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."

On Monday, an Air Canada spokesperson confirmed this, stating, "Transport Canada has introduced additional requirements for travellers to India, and Air Canada, like other carriers, is complying with these."

Toronto Pearson Airport also issued a statement on Sunday via X, saying, "Departing passengers may experience longer than usual wait times at international pre-board screening at Toronto Pearson this evening. If travelling, please check with your airline and leave plenty of time to catch your flight." It was unclear if this was linked to the enhanced measures.

In October, the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) released a list of routes and Air India flights to "target" from November 1 to 19. These flights, however, were originating from New Delhi.

In November 2023, SFJ's general counsel, Gurpatwant Pannun, released a video in Punjabi warning Sikhs, "Don't fly Air India after November 19, your lives may be in danger." He clarified that he was "calling for a boycott" of the airline and not issuing a threat.