Canada has lifted the additional security measures for passengers flying to India. The measures, put in place by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority a few days ago were designed to enhance airport security following heightened concerns amid a diplomatic rift between the two countries. However, they caused significant delays and long queues of passengers were seen at airports.
Background The additional screening, including thorough checks of passengers and their baggage, were introduced after a bomb threat on an Air India flight travelling from New Delhi to Chicago in October. The flight was diverted to Iqaluit, Canada, after the threat was detected. Following a thorough inspection, no explosives were found, but the incident heightened security concerns.
More recently, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued a public warning against flying Air India between November 1 and 19, citing the "40th anniversary of the Sikh genocide" in India. Pannun, a dual Canadian and US citizen, has a history of making similar threats. Also read: No evidence linking PM Modi, Jaishankar and NSA Doval to Nijjar killing, clarifies Canada What were the additional measures The enhanced security measures involved a series of strict procedures, including hand swabs to detect traces, X-ray screening of carry-on bags, and physical screenings of passengers.
These procedures were carried out by CATSA, the agency responsible for ensuring airport security before passengers entered restric.
