Goa Airports Tighten Security Under Red Alert After Red Fort Blast

In response to the national red alert issued after the Red Fort car bomb explosion in Delhi, both Manohar International Airport (Mopa) and Goa International Airport (Dabolim) have intensified their security protocols.

Airport authorities, including GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), convened special high-level security meetings to coordinate immediate actions aimed at reinforcing safety across all airport operations in the state.

Emergency Review Meetings Conducted

Following directives under the national alert, both airports called for meetings involving all key stakeholders including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), airlines, ground handling agencies, and airport operations teams.

Officials confirmed that the focus was on vigilance enhancement, threat sensitivity, and coordination among all departments. Every stakeholder was directed to ensure that both physical and procedural security systems were reviewed, upgraded, and strictly implemented.

An airport official stated that complacency could not be afforded under the prevailing threat level, emphasizing, “All teams have been instructed to increase their alertness and ensure every layer of security functions with full readiness.”

Vehicle Parking Relocated for Enhanced Safety

As part of preventive measures, the AAI has relocated all vehicle parking areas at Dabolim Airport to 100 meters away from the passenger terminal. This step aims to prevent the risk of vehicle-based threats near key access zones. Barricades and security checkpoints have also been reinforced, with additional personnel deployed at entry and exit points.

Meanwhile, GGIAL, which operates the Manohar International Airport, confirmed that a similar internal review of systems was carried out to assess and strengthen security preparedness at Mopa.

CISF and Goa Police Increase Vigilance

The CISF detachments stationed at both airports were placed on heightened alert status. Their personnel are now conducting increased patrolling of terminal zones, parking areas, and cargo sections. Random checks of passenger vehicles and baggage have also been intensified.

The Goa Police have been directed to maintain additional presence outside terminal areas, ensuring swift response capability in coordination with central agencies.

According to sources, a joint task framework has been activated between airport security and local law enforcement, ensuring real-time information sharing in case of suspicious activity.

Stakeholders Sensitized to Avoid Complacency

Airport management teams highlighted that sensitizing all personnel from top executives to ground workers was critical to maintaining high alertness.
During a briefing, an airport director underlined the importance of changing attitudes toward everyday safety, saying that the “chalta hai” (it’s okay) mindset has no place in security operations.

The exercise aims to cultivate continuous vigilance and personal responsibility among all airport employees, emphasizing that each individual plays a role in ensuring passenger safety and public confidence.

Coordinated Response Under National Red Alert

India’s aviation network has been operating under elevated security levels since the Red Fort blast, which left 12 dead and over 20 injured. Authorities across the country have been instructed to reassess vulnerabilities at major public infrastructure points, including airports, railway stations, and government complexes.

Goa’s two airports, being key entry points for domestic and international travelers, have been categorized as sensitive locations due to their high passenger volume and tourism-linked operations. The latest actions reflect an ongoing national effort to prevent secondary threats and reinforce crisis readiness.

Focus on Passenger Awareness and Safety Communication

Passengers traveling through Goa’s airports may notice additional security layers, including increased screening times and access restrictions near terminals. Authorities have requested public cooperation with new procedures to ensure smooth implementation without compromising safety.

In coordination with airline partners, airports have launched awareness drives to help travelers understand new rules, report unattended baggage, and adhere to safety advisories.