On July 8, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu conducted a comprehensive review of passenger facilities, security arrangements, and immigration systems at major airports across India. The meeting, held in New Delhi, was attended by senior officials, including the Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Amit Shah directed the phased installation of Automated X-ray Tray Return Systems (ATRS) at all airports nationwide. This initiative aims to reduce human resource costs and enhance operational efficiency. He emphasized the need for appropriate standards to ensure that ATRS are implemented at new airports.
The ministers also focused on developing a comprehensive framework to streamline passenger movement. This framework considers the interdependence between entry lanes, check-in counters, security screening lanes, and immigration counters, ensuring seamless passenger flow at every touchpoint.
A coordinated plan has been prepared for each touchpoint at airports to facilitate the smooth movement of passengers. Shah directed that the 21 airports currently under development and the remaining 41 airports be prioritized for development based on passenger traffic, in accordance with the security standards prescribed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The objective is to enhance passenger convenience while ensuring that commercial areas remain within the prescribed norms. He further directed that the work at all 62 airports be completed within the next two years.
The ministers also addressed the need for standardized norms regarding the number of aerobridges at airports, based on passenger traffic and air traffic. Additionally, Shah instructed the Ministry of Civil Aviation to extend the baggage drop facility, currently available at 16 major airports, to other international airports with high passenger traffic.
To assess and reduce passenger delays, Shah directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the CISF to independently commission separate third-party studies during the peak travel season. These studies will evaluate all touchpoints across major airports to identify and mitigate delays.
The ministers also emphasized the importance of maintaining high educational qualifications for CISF personnel deployed for X-ray screening. Shah directed that officers and personnel possessing the requisite educational qualifications be assigned to X-ray screening duties.
Furthermore, Shah ordered that Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) offices be made operational at the headquarters of all states by next year. He also instructed that the authorized immigration checkpoints at Agartala and Noida airports be made operational at the earliest.
The ministers advocated for the popularization of the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Travellers Programme (FTI-TTP). They proposed establishing a mechanism, in coordination with airlines, to send a WhatsApp message to passengers at the time of booking an international ticket, encouraging them to register for the FTI-TTP.
This comprehensive review underscores the government's commitment to enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency at India's major airports. By implementing these measures, the government aims to create a more seamless and efficient travel experience for passengers across the country.