Air India and SpiceJet have released formal travel advisories for passengers flying through Indian airports, citing the implementation of enhanced security protocols leading up to India’s Independence Day on August 15. The airlines are urging travelers to reach their departure terminals well ahead of their scheduled flight times to accommodate the increased scrutiny and potential delays associated with these heightened safety measures.
Air India’s directive covers all passengers traveling between August 10 and 20, 2026. In a public statement, the airline noted that the extra time is necessary for thorough security checks and standard airport formalities, ensuring that guests can complete their pre-flight requirements without unnecessary stress. Similarly, SpiceJet has issued guidance for those flying between August 11 and 20, 2026, explicitly advising travelers to plan for additional time at the airport to facilitate a smooth and hassle-free journey during this period.
These advisories are particularly relevant for the high-volume travel corridor between India and the UAE. As Indian citizens represent the largest expatriate community in the UAE, the mid-August window coincides with a peak travel season. Many families who traveled to India for the school summer holidays during July and August are expected to return to the UAE during the second and third weeks of August, just before the academic term resumes.
The ten-day window identified by the airlines is expected to see increased pressure on check-in counters and security screening checkpoints. Travelers are being cautioned that the combination of holiday return traffic and tightened security could lead to longer wait times than usual. Consequently, passengers are encouraged to monitor their flight status closely and factor in significant buffer time for airport procedures.
For those connecting through UAE hubs to various Indian cities, the airlines suggest checking for the most recent updates directly with their carriers. By arriving early and preparing for more rigorous airport formalities, travelers can mitigate the risk of missing flights during this busy period. These measures serve as a standard precautionary step to maintain safety across the aviation network during the national holiday celebrations.
SpiceJet issued a similar advisory for passengers travelling from August 11 to 20.
The advisories are likely to affect Indian passengers travelling during the period, a peak season for family visits as many of them will be returning to the UAE in the coming days after the summer break.
Source: Khaleej Times
