Amit Shah Orders Modernization of 62 Indian Airports

Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the operationalization of immigration checkpoints at Jewar and Agartala airports during a security and passenger facility review in New Delhi on July 8, 2026. Joined by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Shah ordered that 62 airports—including 21 currently under development—be made fully operational within two years, prioritizing sites based on passenger traffic and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security standards.

To reduce human resource costs and improve efficiency, Shah mandated the phased installation of Automated X-ray Tray Return Systems at all airports. He further directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation to establish aerobridge norms based on traffic and expand baggage drop facilities at high-traffic international airports. To streamline immigration, he called for the promotion of the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Travellers’ Programme via WhatsApp and airline notifications, and set a 2027 deadline to operationalize Foreigners Regional Registration Offices at all state headquarters.

Security and staffing were also central to the directives. Shah instructed the Central Industrial Security Force to ensure that personnel assigned to X-ray screening duties possess the requisite educational qualifications. Additionally, he tasked the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the security force with conducting third-party studies during peak seasons to identify and reduce passenger delays.