Question : Security Arrangement at Airports

(a) whether changes have been made to security arrangements at Delhi and Mumbai airports in view of recent tightening of security rules by US aviation authorities;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the changes made;

(c) whether there is any proposal to extend these changes to cover flights to other destinations especially in Punjab;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether the Security Management System has been implemented at various airports to minimise the risk of accidents and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reason for delay in implementing the system?

The Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a): Yes, Madam.;
;

(b): The Emergency Amendment 1546-17-02 (Enhanced Security measure to be undertaken by foreign air carriers) brought out by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security makes it mandatory for the air carriers (for the United States bound airlines) to perform Explosive Trace Detector (ETD) checks at Secondary Ladder Point for all portable electronic devices/gadgets which are larger than a cell phone or smart phone in certain cases. As such, the instructions are applicable to airports in India as Last Port of Departure (LPD) stations for the US bound flights. These enhanced security measures have been adopted by the air carrier having direct flights to the US destinations. ;
;

(c) to (e): The security system at airports is reviewed and upgraded as per requirement, by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the regulatory authority for civil aviation security, in consultation with other concerned agencies and stakeholders, including Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Airport Operators, depending upon threat perceptions. Further, Safety Management System (SMS) has been implemented on all licensed aerodromes. Safety Management System is a systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organizational structures, accountabilities, policies and procedures.