Stepping up aviation security: BCAS asks CISF to oversee cargo & check-in baggage screening operations

NEW DELHI: Amid the current heightened threat perception situation, Govt has for the time being asked Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to oversee screening of cargo and check-in baggage of passengers. While CISF does pre-boarding frisking of passengers apart from checking heir cabin bags, airport operators and airlines took care of check-in baggage and cargo screening. “In a significant decision to boost security across Indian civil airports, DG of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has (on) May 9, 2025, temporarily extended the role of CISF to provide additional security cover to cargo operations and the in-line hold baggage screening system (ILHBSS). This arrangement, effective from May 9 to May 18, 2025, is a direct response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent security scenario in the country. The enhancement of CISF's mandate is essential to reinforce security arrangements at all civil airports,” CISF said in a statement.CISF responded immediately and is now doing the oversight for cargo and baggage operations. “CISF will oversee operations and the security staff of airport operators for ILHBSS. The directives also authorise CISF personnel to perform random checks and oversee access control to these critical facilities. All the airports under cover of CISF, have already implemented the new strengthened system,” it added. Prior to this directive, CISF's deployment as the primary aviation security force did not explicitly extend to the direct security and screening of cargo operations and the In-line Hold Baggage Screening System. The decision aims to introduce a crucial secondary layer of security checks to enhance aviation security.