Delhi airport on alert, flyers asked to reach airports well in advance

Air travellers should leave for airports early till month- end due to enhanced security checks of vehicles approaching terminals and of passengers inside the terminals as this could increase screening time. Secondary ladder point security checks, which require passengers to be frisked again just before they board aircraft, have been made mandatory.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delhi’s IGIA has asked domestic and international flyers to reach at least 3 and 4 hours, respectively, before their flight departure time
• Airports have been asked to station quick reaction teams

This is being done due to increased security in the wake of the developments in Jammu and Kashmir and Independence Day celebrations. On Wednesday, the Delhi airport operator also urged domestic flyers to reach at least three hours in advance and international passengers four hours prior to departure. The operator further added that the entry to the meet and greet area will be barred from August 10 to August 20.

The airport operator, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), took to Twitter and wrote: “Attention Flyers: Due to enhanced security arrangements, flyers are requested to reach #DelhiAirport minimum 3 hours in advance for all domestic flights and 4 hours in advance for all international flights. (sic.)”

The aviation security regulator has issued an alert saying “recent developments pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir (J& K) and additional inputs received (show) civil aviation has emerged as a soft target from terrorist attacks” while warning metro airports are more vulnerable. It has directed states and airports to enhance security at all aviation facilities including flight training institutes. The BCAS alert will be in force till August 31 or further order

Requesting anonymity, the official said, “The time has been increased because even on the approach road, security agencies are thoroughly checking all vehicles entering the airport. This may take passengers a little longer to reach the terminal. Further, stricter frisking may take more time. The minimum time to reach the airport has been increased in order to avoid long queues at the check-in area and during security checks during peak hours.”

A general alert was issued in the national capital on Monday after the Centre scrapped Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. As many as 3,000 additional personnel of Delhi Police were deployed at airports, Metro stations, markets, bus terminals, railway stations, shopping malls and important government buildings as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) that secures Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport said passengers need not panic. The assistant inspector general (CISF) Hemendra Singh said, “Our teams have tightened security. Some passengers may be asked to step aside and cooperate for stringent baggage check and frisking. They may be asked to take off their shoes, belts and jackets or caps. We request the flyers to cooperate with us for smooth and hassle-free security checks at the airport for their own safety.”