Airport Delays Expected to Linger Until Late 2024 Due to Security Shortfall

According to an internal government assessment, it is likely that the major 15 airports in India, which include Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, will need over 5,000 security personnel by the end of 2024. Due to growing disposable incomes and airline aircraft additions, air traffic is expected to reach all-time highs. This means there will likely be a security shortfall for the rest of the year, which may result in traveler delays. This also means that amidst this flurry of activity, travelers seeking cheap flight tickets to India from USA might encounter delays due to the anticipated shortage of security personnel. Government agencies anticipate that the situation will only improve by the end of 2024.

Shortage of CISF Personnel at Major Indian Airports

According to the aviation ministry’s study, there was a shortage of more than 1,300 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Delhi airport alone. Compared to a sanctioned strength of approximately 6,200, and more than 1,000 CISF personnel at Bengaluru airport compared to a sanctioned strength of more than 3,700.

The fact that Chennai and Kolkata airports had shortages of over 800 personnel each against sanctioned strengths of over 2,000 personnel each, and Mumbai airport, which had a shortfall of over 150 personnel, all contributed to the overall picture.

Ministry’s Response and Action Plan

In reply to a query from Mint, a spokesperson for the civil aviation ministry said the total number of CISF troops stationed at each of the five metro airports—Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru—has risen by 22% over the prior 1.5 years, with more than 17,000 individuals present as of May.

The official stated that the CISF staffing shortage at Bengaluru airport is approximately 200, and at Delhi airport, it is approximately 110. According to the ministry, there are now only roughly 300 employees at the airports in Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

According to the spokesperson, the ministry is working under the direction of Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to further strengthen the CISF at these airports. It also holds regular meetings with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the CISF, and other relevant parties.

The government realized that these evaluations were necessary after travelers voiced complaints about delays at security checkpoints both during the busiest summer travel season and the winter travel season of the previous year.

Rising Air Traffic

According to information gathered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Indian Airlines handled an unprecedented 152 million people in 2023. That implies an increase of 23% over 2022 and 5% over the before COVID year of 2019, establishing a record until 2023.

There were 52.3 million passengers flown by domestic airlines during January and April, an increase of four percent over the same time last year. The total number of foreign passengers utilizing Indian airports ascended by 22% to 69.64 million during April and March of 2023–24 (a year ago), based upon some of the most recent international data obtainable from the Airports Authority of India.

Since 2013, there has been a 49% increase in foreign travel and a 147% increase in domestic travel by air. Forecasts from the government indicate that improvements won’t occur until around 2024.

Plan to Add Security Personnel

“We intend to increase the number of security officers before the Oct.–Dec. peak season starts. A source familiar with the development told Mint, “We have also been in contact with the home ministry and discussions are underway to enhance the immigration officer capacity too.

The report also emphasizes the need for additional immigration counters at international airports, which is consistent with the government’s goal to establish several centers for international aviation. It intends to have 500 immigration counters and 2,000 immigration officers dispersed among the top 15 international airports by the end of 2024.

The CISF, which guards significant airports, and the Home Ministry, the nodal ministry for the Bureau of Immigration in charge of airport immigration services, have shared the aviation ministry’s study findings.

Authority and Limitations of Airport Operators

Based on official data, there are now 66 airports where the CIF is stationed. At the other airports, security is provided by state police. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), an agency of the Indian government, manages airport security.

“Increasing the capability of immigration and security counters regularly is the aim of these assessments. According to a senior official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, these requirements will rise as airport infrastructure advances and more people utilize airports as a result of India’s growing economy.

Airport operators declined to comment on the article because airport security is the responsibility of the government. According to a representative for the state-run airports in Chennai and Kolkata, the CISF personnel stationed at these locations complies with regulatory standards.

“The CSF has sovereign authority. A Mumbai airport representative stated, “As an airport operator, we are not authorized to comment on the same.”

Finally, as airport delays persist due to security shortcomings, seize the opportunity to escape the chaos with Flyopedia’s last minute flight deals from the USA to India, ensuring affordability amidst the turbulence.