FBOs at Kannur International Airport VOKN CNN

Airport security

VABB maintains the established ASTORISK rating of MODERATE due to ongoing security concerns documented by international travel authorities.

Scams are common at major airports including Mumbai, with Delhi recording 847 incidents involving foreign nationals in 2025, while the FCDO has issued travel advisories highlighting security risks and political instability in several Indian regions.

Pickpocketing peaks at transport hubs including Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, contributing to the moderate threat assessment.

Terminal access controls at VABB include unique 'Integrated Security Check Points' for all international and domestic passengers departing through Terminal 2, representing enhanced screening procedures.

The General Aviation terminal prioritizes passenger safety and security with access control systems and efficient processing with customs and immigration services.

As the second-busiest airport in India and busiest single operational runway airport globally, perimeter security faces constant pressure from high traffic volumes.

Customs, immigration and regulatory

• Hours: H24 — Mumbai international airport customs operates 24 hours daily under India's mandated round-the-clock clearance policy (CBIC)
• passenger red/green channel clearance available at T2 on all international arrivals and departures. All international passengers must complete customs declaration via CBIC ICEGATE/ATITHI app or physical counters
• dutiable or restricted goods must use the Red Channel
• export certificates for high-value items (jewellery, electronics) should be obtained prior to departure from the Precious Cargo Customs Clearance Centre (PCCC), Bandra-Kurla Complex.

Ground corridor

Ground transport risk in Mumbai is characterised primarily by opportunistic crime — including fare overcharging by independent taxis and autorickshaws near terminal exits — and severe traffic congestion, particularly on the Western Express Highway corridor serving the airport, which is significantly compounded during the active monsoon season (June–September) when flooding routinely causes extended delays.

Pre-arranged vehicles with vetted transport providers or use of the official airport prepaid counter (fixed fare, pre-assigned driver details) are strongly advised over flagging independent street taxis, which carry a higher risk of overcharging and route manipulation.

The Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) provides a direct underground link between T2 and the city centre with a dedicated sky-bridge connection, offering a lower-risk daytime surface transport alternative.

There are no active movement restrictions, armed conflict designations, or OFAC sanctions applicable to Mumbai or Maharashtra; standard urban crime awareness and traffic planning apply.

City threat summary

VABB maintains the established ASTORISK rating of MODERATE due to ongoing security concerns documented by international travel authorities.

Scams are common at major airports including Mumbai, with Delhi recording 847 incidents involving foreign nationals in 2025, while the FCDO has issued travel advisories highlighting security risks and political instability in several Indian regions.

Pickpocketing peaks at transport hubs including Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, contributing to the moderate threat assessment.

Country overview

India operates at a broadly moderate threat level nationally, with sharply elevated risk concentrated in Jammu and Kash…

Higher-risk locations nearby

• Bengaluru VOBL ELEVATED
• Jodhpur VIJO ELEVATED
• Kolkata VECC ELEVATED
• Mumbai VABB ELEVATED
• Navi Mumbai VANM ELEVATED
• New Delhi VIDP ELEVATED
• Pune VAPO ELEVATED