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Canadian Air Transport Security Authority will carry out the additional screening measures for Indian flyers
Canadian government said passengers may experience some screening delays. (Reuters)
Canada has enhanced its security screening for passengers travelling to India, citing “an abundance of caution”. The fresh move comes amid the diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand told Canadian Broadcaster CBC, “Transport Canada has implemented temporary additional security screening measures for travellers to India out of an abundance of caution,” Anand said. She added passengers “may experience some screening delays while these measures are in place.”
A government official informed CBC News that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), the agency in charge of screening passengers and their luggage before they enter restricted areas of airports in Canada, will carry out the additional measures.
CATSA’s screenings include hand swabs to detect traces on individuals when necessary, sending carry-on bags through X-ray machines, and conducting physical screenings of passengers.
However, Anand’s office statement did not link to any specific incidents.
‘Exercise Caution Due To Terror Attacks’: Canada Issues Alert
Meanwhile, the Canadian government has issued a travel advisory for its citizens seeking to travel to India, mentioning the Zika virus scare and terror attacks.
“Exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country,” the alert read.
“Exercise a high degree of caution in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Consular services in-person are temporarily unavailable in those cities or surrounding areas. If you need consular services, contact the High Commission of Canada in India, located in New Delhi. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa,” the alert further read.
The North American nation also urged its people not to travel to northeast India, Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan borders.
