Canada reverses extra security checks for travelers to India, initially announced due to rising tensions. Transport Minister Anita Anand noted the measures were temporary, advising travelers to expect delays.

OTTAWA – Passengers traveling from Canada to India will now face additional security screening amid heightened tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa. Canada’s Transport Minister, Anita Anand, announced the new temporary protocols on the evening of November 18, stating that the measures were implemented “out of an abundance of caution.”

Although the measures appeared to have been in place since at least last weekend, the authorities stated on Monday that the extra security screening was being conducted.

The measures, carried out by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), involved screening passengers and baggage at airports before entering restricted areas. According to reports, the additional screening on India-bound flights resulted in delays and long queues at airports.

Canada has lifted enhanced security screenings for travelers to India, which were put in place after a bomb threat on an Air India flight. The measures were implemented amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries following accusations of Indian government involvement in crimes in Canada.

Two days after alerting Canadians that air travellers to India would be subjected to extra security screening, federal Transport Minister Anita Anand’s office says those safeguards have been withdrawn.