NEW DELHI: Visitors cannot gain access into airport terminals to see off friends and family, as the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has barred entry in view of the "current security scenario." 

The directive is being enforced with immediate effect. 

"In view of the present security scenario Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued an advisory for all Indian airports banning the entry of visitors and sale of entry tickets. 

Accordingly, the sale of entry tickets for visitors will remain suspended till further notice at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi," a statement from Delhi International Airport Ltd, the company that operates the Delhi airport said. 

The airport operator also 'advised domestic passengers to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the departure and international passengers arrive at least three hours prior to the departure.' 

The decision by BCAS follows individual announcement by airlines requesting passengers to arrive much before the stipulated time due to security reasons. 

While Air India had asked passengers to come three hours before the scheduled time of departure, IndiGo had announced that it will close check-in counter, 60 minutes before the fight departure time.