a): whether changes have been made in the security arrangements at Delhi and Mumbai airport in view of recent tightening of security rules by US aviation authorities;
(b): if so, the details thereof indicating the changes made therein;
c): Whether there is any proposal to extend these changes to cover flights to other destinations especially in Punjab; and
(d): if so, the details thereof?
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 foreign air carriers( for the United States bound airlines) to perform Explosive Tracer 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): No, Madam.
(d): Does not arise, in view of reply to Part (c) above.