Delhi Airport Steps Up Transfer Passenger Checks After Sept 4 Lapse; What Travellers Need To Know

Delhi Airport has now decided to tighten its transfer passenger checks after the recent immigration lapse on September 4, 2026, in which three passengers travelling from Amritsar to Munich skipped mandatory immigration checks. Here’s everything you need to know.

Delhi Airport Tightens Transfer Passenger Checks

According to The New Indian Express, flight operators and airport officials have now stepped up checks on transfer passengers at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The decision was taken following directions from immigration authorities after three passengers skipped mandatory immigration checks on September 4.

Reportedly, the enhanced checks are being carried out at transfer points. These checks will verify the nature of travellers’ onward journeys. Plus, it will ensure that passengers who are required to undergo immigration do not bypass the process.

For those who are unaware, earlier this month, three passengers travelling from Amritsar to Munich via Delhi were accidentally sent down the wrong transit path. This lapse let them skip the mandatory immigration checks. These three passengers were taken to the international transfer area instead of being sent to the immigration area to complete departure formalities before their flight to Munich. 

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Boarding Passes To Be Checked More Carefully

According to The New Indian Express, airline staff have been directed to closely verify the ‘I’ and ‘D’ indicators printed on boarding passes. These indicators show whether a passenger is travelling on an international or domestic sector. They will also help staff determine the transfer route to be followed. Only passengers carrying an ‘I’ on their boarding pass will be allowed through the international-to-international transfer area.

In addition to this, ground-handling staff have also intensified physical checks in transfer areas, particularly for passengers moving from domestic to international flights. Boarding passes are being thoroughly checked to avoid a repeat of the September 4 lapse.

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Delhi Airport has taken the decision to tighten transfer checks. It will help avoid security lapses in the future.

Cover Image Courtesy: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Wikipedia/Bharatahs