New Delhi, April 2 -- Aviation security watchdog BCAS has issued new guidelines that will allow exit of passengers from an aircraft through an airport departure gate in case there is a long delay in operating the flight after boarding.The latest directive from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) comes against the backdrop of rising instances of congestion and flight delays, resulting in passengers getting stuck in aircraft after boarding for long hours.

BCAS Director General Zulfiquar Hasan on Monday said the guidelines were issued to airlines and airport operators on March 30 and are now in force.

The guidelines will help in ensuring "less harassment" for passengers and they would not have to keep sitting inside an aircraft fo...