MONTREAL—Transport Canada has implemented heightened security measures for Passengers flying from Canada to India mostly on Air Canada (AC) as a precautionary measure.
On Monday, Canada’s Transport Minister Anita Anand confirmed the introduction of these enhanced screenings, describing them as “temporary additional security screening measures” initiated out of “an abundance of caution.”
Air Canada Security Checks
Air Canada alerted its passengers over the weekend about the new protocols. In notifications sent to travelers heading to India, the airline warned of longer-than-usual security wait times, citing mandates from Transport Canada.
The message, shared with the Hindustan Times, advised passengers to arrive at the airport at least four hours before their departure to avoid disruptions. “We appreciate your patience and understanding,” the notification concluded.
A spokesperson for Air Canada confirmed the development in an email on Monday, stating that the airline, along with other carriers, is complying with Transport Canada’s enhanced security requirements for flights to India.
On Sunday, Toronto Pearson Airport warned passengers about longer wait times. In a post on X, the airport stated, “Departing passengers may experience longer than usual wait times at international pre-board screening at Toronto Pearson this evening. If traveling, please check with your airline and leave plenty of time to catch your flight.”
It remains unclear if this advisory directly relates to the newly implemented security protocols.
Threat to Indian
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has issued explicit threats against multiple Air India (AI) international flights, heightening concerns about aviation security. The secessionist group, linked to the infamous mid-air bombing of an Air India flight in 1985, has now targeted key routes connecting India to major global hubs.
In a video message, Pannun identified specific flights, including New Delhi-Toronto (AI 187, AI 189), New Delhi-Vancouver (AI 185), New Delhi-London (AI 111, AI 161), New Delhi-Frankfurt (AI 121), New Delhi-Sydney (AI 302), and New Delhi-Melbourne (AI 308). He also named Mumbai-London flights (AI 129, AI 131) as targets.
Pannun called for a global boycott of Air India flights and urged actions aimed at crippling India’s economy. His message extended to targeting “Made in India” initiatives and disrupting Air India’s operations as part of a broader agenda to “balkanize” India.
In a related call to action, Pannun appealed to the Sikh Panth to honor Beant Singh, one of Indira Gandhi’s assassins, on October 31, a move likely intended to inflame tensions further.
Senior intelligence officials have told CNN-News18 that countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have failed to act decisively against Pannun despite his open threats.
These officials criticized the passive stance of Western governments, highlighting their inaction against a wanted terrorist operating freely from their territories.
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