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Airport security strengthened

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Friday put in place strict security measures at all airports across the country in the wake of a worldwide alert as Britain foiled a terror plot to bomb passenger jets mid-air.

"Though there is no specific threat received by us, the general alert at all airports has been heightened to a serious level and all air travellers and baggage will be subjected to a thorough scrutiny," Civil Aviation Secretary Ajay Prasad said here.

Carrying of liquids, gels, sprays and pastes by air travellers wasbanned.

In domestic flights, travellers could carry only one piece of hand baggage, including laptops. Prescription medicines and baby food would be exempted.

The hand baggage, besides being X-rayed, would be checked manually, Mr. Prasad said.

There was a long-standing instruction to allow just one piece of hand baggage for domestic travellers but security agencies were liberal. "But from now on, the rule of allowing only one hand baggage per person, including laptop computers, will be strictly enforced. However, women will be allowed to take their purse or handbag."

All airlines were advised to put up placards at their counters, giving details of the items not allowed on board. Airline check-in counters would be closed 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of flights.

"Domestic travellers should reach airports at least 90 minutes before the scheduled departure of their flights and international travellers should report three hours before the departure time."

The strength of the Central Industrial Security Force and other security personnel at airports was being increased. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, the AAI and the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation were keeping a watch. The number of sky marshals was being increased in certain sectors.

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