Security Breach at Mumbai Airport: Man Attempts to Board Flight Without Documents

In a concerning security lapse at Mumbai’s Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj International airport, a ticketless traveler managed to breach multiple checkpoints and reach the boarding gate before being apprehended. 

The incident, labeled a “massive security breach involving lapses on the part of multiple agencies” by a senior official of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has led to the suspension of a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official, and an FIR has been filed against the trespasser.

The breach occurred post-midnight when a male passenger, reportedly of “unsound” mental health, entered the passenger building by closely following another individual. Despite the presence of automatic e-gates, the CISF had opened additional entry points during peak hours, leading to manual verification of air tickets and identity documents.

The intruder managed to pass through multiple checkpoints by tailing other passengers closely, including the automatic e-gates and immigration check. The alarm functionality at the e-gates, designed to trigger if more than one passenger passes, failed to activate in this instance.

CISF has urged Mumbai Airport to enhance security measures by ensuring more e-gates at the entrance and improving the functionality of existing e-gates to prevent similar incidents. The Ministry of Home Affairs has labeled the breach a significant security lapse, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of security protocols.

The incident highlights the vulnerabilities in the airport’s security infrastructure and the importance of addressing lapses promptly to ensure the safety and integrity of air travel.