Canada
Travelers coming to India from Canada are facing more scrutiny than before. Recently the Government of Canada had issued a statement in this regard. However, it is not yet clear what is the reason for increasing the security measures. Earlier, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa has also asked the Government of Canada for additional security for Air India flights. Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu had threatened about the flights.
A statement in this regard has been issued by Canada’s Transport Minister Anita Anand. He has informed that due to ‘extreme caution’, temporary measures have been taken for additional security checks. Air Canada has also issued a notification to passengers going to India, which states, ‘Due to enhanced security measures for all passengers going to India on Transport Canada, the security wait time may be longer.’ It further said, ‘To avoid any disruption in your travel, we advise you to arrive 4 hours before the flight takes off….’
An Air Canada spokesperson also confirmed the decision on Monday. “Transport Canada has outlined additional requirements for passengers flying to India, and Air Canada, like other carriers, is following them,” he said. Speaking to Hindustan Times, some travelers said that additional testing orders have been implemented, including second screening of those coming to India.
The separatist group SFJ i.e. Sikh for Justice had issued a threat in October, in which it was said to target Air India flights between November 1 and November 19. Earlier in 2023 also, Pannu had instructed Sikhs not to travel in Air India aircraft after November 19. According to media reports, he later clarified that it was not a threat but was talking about boycott.
