Airports on guard against terror attacks

NEW DELHI: Travelling through airports across India is likely to turn more tedious for passengers in view of intensified security measures. The government has signalled red alert at all the airports across India to avert terror attacks during Independence Day. Airlines have also been asked to adopt strict security measures.

Additional precautions were already on since the US intelligence has warned about terror threat to Mumbai and Delhi ahead of August 15. The terror plot to blow up aircraft taking off from Heathrow airport in London has only led to more layers of security at airports.

Officials from Airport Authority of India (AAI) emphasised that security at airports has been beefed up in the aftermath of the Mumbai train blasts. Tight vigil would be maintained till the end of this week, they added. The number of CISF personnel and sky marshals have also been increased across airports.

Private airlines are also taking strict measures to avert any security threat. Said the SpiceJet chairman, Siddhanta Sharma, “Anything that passengers are carrying to the plane is being thoroughly checked by all the airlines to minimise risk.”

Government sources said the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and DGCA were in touch with the civil aviation ministry and the AAI to check against security loopholes.

The government has banned passengers from carrying liquids. Laptops, mobile phones, iPods and remote controls, however, have been allowed. Baby formula and medicines have also been exempted.

The civil aviation ministry said security-related hassles could be avoided by reporting 90 minutes in advance for domestic flights and three hours prior to international airports. Passengers have been advised to carry only essential travel documents, such as, passports, tickets and visas.