Airports on alert

Airports on alert

As far as the ministry is concerned, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued a high-alert advisory to all carriers and airports across the country," a spokesperson for the civil aviation ministry said.


"This requires security agencies, airlines and airport authorities to adopt the entire drill that is already specified for hijack alerts," the spokesperson said, adding that sky marshals on all planes and multi-point frisking were part of the drill.


Sources in the aviation security agency said an alert was already on in view of Republic Day next week. Security had been enhanced after reports of a possible hijack of a flight from or going to a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) country.
The civil aviation ministry has also advised all states to beef up security at all vital installations, while the home ministry has asked the states to take special measures to protect VIPs and other distinguished people at airports.


Officials said the government regularly issues advisory to states, especially before Republic Day, Independence Day and major religious festivals, to remain on alert and take measures to thwart attempts of militant organisations and Maoists.