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Hijack alert: Heightened security may lead to delays at IGIA

CISF requests passengers to reach early; Arrangements stepped up in Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad airports after Mumbai Police receives tip-off from unidentified caller

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If you're travelling from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) this week, better reach earlier than usual to avoid panic at the last moment. According to senior security officials, a significant step-up in the existing security set-up, with multiple frisking points and tightened secondary checking, may cause delays in boarding.

Security arrangements were stepped up in Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad airports, after the Mumbai Police received a call from an unidentified woman, who claimed that she heard a group of students planning to hijack a plane from one of these airports.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Director General OP Singh told DNA: "Immediately after receiving the threat, an airport coordination meeting was called at all the airports to review the security, and adequate measures were put in place. The meeting was attended by local police, Civil Aviation Bureau officers, senior CISF personnel, and intelligence sleuths."

"Armed men in plain clothes have been deployed at airside and even inside the terminals to keep a hawk-eye vigil on suspicious passengers. The focus has been on secondary ladder point checking, just before boarding the aircraft. The airlines officials have been asked to stay alert. Marshals and CISF Quick Response Teams (QRT) are also patrolling on airside and boundaries of the airport," a senior officer said.

In addition, the incoming aircraft are being scanned. "From lavatories to seats, cargo belly and even luggage compartments, we are leaving no stone unturned. Dogs are also being used to sanitise the aircraft and other vehicles on the airside," they said.

The CISF also suggested that stringent procedures may lead to delays in check-in and boarding. Passengers are being asked, at random, to take off their shoes and belts for stricter checking.

"Our intelligence works entirely on the basis of profiling or tip-offs. Anyone can be asked to cooperate for thorough frisking. We request passengers to be kind and let us ensure public safety. This may cause delays and, therefore, flyers are requested to arrive at the terminal with some extra time in hand," a senior officer said.

Apart from the airside security enhancement, the city side has also been covered with additional men on watchtowers, extra pickets for vehicles, and active movement of QRTs. Parking lots and cargo areas are also being watched closely.

REQUEST TO PASSENGERS

  • Reach airport early, with extra time in hand.
     
  • Cooperate with the CISF, if asked to take off shoes or belts for stricter frisking.
     
  • Keep tickets and boarding passes handy.
     
  • Avoid wearing or carrying suspicious apparels, items.
     
  • Immediately contact a security personnel for anything suspicious.
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