Security beefed up at KIA; stringent screening at entry, exit points

Bengaluru: Amid the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, the security at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has been heightened by putting in place a stringent screening process at each entry point.

DH visited KIA on Friday to understand what measures have been put in place amidst the tensed atmosphere. 

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) staffers, who were on leave, have been asked to report to duty with immediate effect. The decision had been taken to beef up security by deploying a full-fledged workforce.

Armed with hand metal detectors, the CISF officers, began random checking just 100 meters away from the drop point of Terminal 1. An extra Nakabandi has been deployed at this point to increase security checkpoints. 

Additionally, at each checkpoint, CISF personnel kept vigil on the movements of each passenger and their baggage. Any suspicion resulted in intercepting and questioning the passenger. 

A spokesperson from Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), told DH, that the security deployment is similar to that of what is done on important national interest days such as Independence and Republic days. “Basically, there’s no compromise on the security front. No special requests are being accommodated or encouraged,” the spokesperson said.

Additional CISF personnel are keeping vigil at every nook and corner of the airport, armed CISF officers were also seen patrolling in their bullet-resistant vehicles continuously. 

Normally, check-ins and boarding happens at its own pace, depending on the footfall on that particular day. On Friday, the whole process was long-drawn, with officers deployed at primary key checkpoints. They were also heard asking more questions than normal. 

Secondary ladder point checks 

Besides primary check-ins, all airlines conducted Secondary Ladder Points Checks (SLPC), following the directions issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). SLPCs are screening processes carried out by the airline staff near the boarding gate after the primary security checks and just before flight boarding. 

Considering the deployment of these measures, the Bangalore Airport authorities issued a passenger advisory early on Friday. “In view of nationwide heightened security alerts, enhanced screening measures are in place across all airports. Passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours prior to the departure to allow for a smooth check-in, security, and boarding experience,” the advisory stated. 

A passenger traveling to Delhi who wished to stay anonymous said that these security checks are not an inconvenience but a relief. There is certainly no fear of traveling across the country when security is so tight, she said. 

Many passengers expressed no fear of traveling across the country. However, a few passengers felt there was always a factor of “fear” given the situation escalating so quickly. 

Adding to the security in the airport, the BIAL police also deployed more personnel for patrolling duties and are keeping vigil around the area. 

On Friday, at around 9.30 am, the airport authorities carried out a mock drill by blaring the siren twice for two minutes.