Security beefed up at airports after call to hijack AI

Security has been stepped up at airports across the country after the Air India control centre in Mumbai received a phone call threatening to hijack its aircraft and take it to Pakistan.

Security officials got cracking after the hijack call and issued directions to all airports to step up vigil and regulate access to terminal buildings.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) was informed of the threat call received at the Air India Airport Operation Control Centre in Mumbai on Saturday morning.

The BCAS issued an eight-point advisory to the Airport Security Unit and the Aviation Security Group of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) that guards airports across the country.

The CISF has been directed to maintain strict access control to regulate entry to the terminal building, airside, all operational areas and other aviation facilities.

It has also been asked to carry out intensive checking of vehicles entering car parking area to preclude the possibility of car bomb attacks.

Directions have also been issued to enhance screening of passengers, staff and visitors including a random screening at the main gate.

The security officials have also been asked to heighten screening and protection of hold baggage, cargo, cargo terminal, catering, mails and step up surveillance through CCTV cameras as well as manually in and around the terminal building and operational areas.

Quick Reaction Teams at airports have been asked to be on alert and orders have also been issued to strengthen perimeter patrolling at airports besides manning of all cargo gates and vehicle entry gates with strong-armed support.

A CISF official said that the paramilitary force has already been put on high alert in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack and vigil has been further stepped up after the phone call threatening to hijack an Air India aircraft.