Airports to invest more in security

New Delhi: Alarmed by the attacks, both airlines and airport managements will now be forced to invest more in security systems. The Centre on Friday declared a high alert at all international airports in the country, with a special emphasis on the western region. Airlines are also asking passengers to report at time to airports as the extra security measures could mean longer clearing times.
"There was a lot of talk of installing state of the art security systems at Indian airports about two years back following a spate of terror attacks across the world. Now that move will get the deserved priority," said an airline official. The industry knows it has to convince people of a safe flight to make them travel again in these unsafe times, he said.
Kingfisher chairman Vijay Mallya has told his employees that "safety and security are our most important parameters. Each one of you must take extreme care to ensure that both are strictly enforced." Despite their poor financial health, airlines will now have to invest more in ensuring that passengers have a safe flight.
The government has ordered thorough check of all vehicles going to airports as well as 100% checking of hand bags. "Airlines are now resorting to ladder-point security in which passengers are frisked at the aircraft ladder or place they board buses to reach the aircraft. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and CISF are reviewing overall security measures. All this may require acquisition of ultra modern equipment and hiring of specialised people to run them," said sources.
29/11/08 Times of India

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Categories: Airports Nov 2008, Safety Nov 2008