The Hindu : Front Page : Security stepped up at all airports

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 12, 2006

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Front Page

Security stepped up at all airports

Special Correspondent

Carrying of liquids, gels, sprays and pastes by air travellers has been banned

FULL ALERT: The scene at Delhi airport on Friday. - PHOTO: V. SUDERSHAN

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 has beenbanned.

On domestic flights, travellers could carry only one piece of hand baggage, including laptops. They would not be permitted to carry any liquid, gel, toothpaste or lotion. Prescription medicines and baby food would be exempted.

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

There has been a longstanding instruction to allow just one piece of hand baggage for domestic travellers but security agencies have been 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."

Placards

All airlines have been 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 deployment of Central Industrial Security Force and other security personnel at airports is being increased. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, the Airports Authority of India and the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation are keeping a watch. The number of sky marshals is being increased in certain sectors.

Responding to a query, Mr. Prasad said disallowing hand baggage aboard international flights and other restrictions would mean an increase check-in baggage.

"Keeping this in mind, we are reviewing security measures at the ground handling level so that there is no possibility of someone planting something at any level — from taking the check-in baggage to the cargo hold of the plane."

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