With the festive season approaching and a surge in holiday travel expected, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has issued an advisory for passengers on items that are restricted or prohibited on flights.
A CSMIA spokesperson said that while many passengers tend to carry festive essentials for Diwali celebrations, certain items pose safety risks and are therefore not permitted on board. These include fireworks and crackers, oil diyas, oils and ghee exceeding permissible limits, matchboxes and lighters, gift items containing batteries or electrical components, and aerosols or sprays above the allowed quantity.
The airport has also noted common packing errors, particularly with electric diyas and decorative lights. Passengers often carry these items loosely with switches or batteries attached, which violates aviation safety norms and may lead to confiscation during security checks.
There are, however, no specific restrictions on Diwali sweets or food items — locally referred to as faraal. Passengers are advised to ensure all food items are securely packed to prevent leakage or spillage during transit.
The spokesperson added that any restricted or prohibited items confiscated at the airport are disposed of in strict compliance with regulatory guidelines, ensuring both passenger safety and adherence to waste management standards.
CSMIA has urged passengers to plan their festive travel carefully and check the guidelines before packing to ensure a smooth journey.