Ottawa – The additional security screening measures for travellers heading to India, implemented earlier this week, have been lifted, Transport Minister Anita Anand’s office confirmed.
The measures were introduced following heightened tensions between Canada and India, including last month’s diversion of an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago to Iqaluit due to a bomb threat. No explosives were found aboard the aircraft.
The announcement comes as relations between the two nations remain strained. Last month, the RCMP linked Indian government agents to alleged involvement in crimes in Canada, including murder, extortion, and intimidation.
Despite the removal of additional measures, many travelers are still facing challenges. A Surrey resident shared her experience with ‘Surrey News’ describing lengthy delays at Vancouver International Airport:
“I am at Vancouver airport to drop off my family members who are going to India. I came here and learned about how bad the security clearance is now. It’s three hours of waiting in line, no matter if you’re a senior, sick, or in a wheelchair.”
The removal of extra screening measures is expected to ease some congestion at airports, but concerns over broader security procedures persist. Transport Minister Anand’s office has emphasized that safety remains a top priority while striving to minimize disruptions for travelers.
The government continues to monitor the situation closely, underscoring the importance of balancing security with accessibility for all passengers.