Airlines Boost Security on Flights to India

Dubai: Airlines flying out of Dubai on the Indian sector have stepped up security following a red alert sounded by the Indian government at airports in New Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore.
The security precautions are being taken in the wake of terrorist attacks in Mumbai which claimed over 160 lives.
Indian and UAE carriers were directed on Thursday and today to follow strict procedures, including thorough frisking of hand baggage, offloading of unclaimed luggage and reporting of any suspicious activity to the airport staff immediately.
“Since it is a red alert situation, we are abiding by the requirements of the Indian airports. We have also declared high alert on flights to these destinations and are following the procedures of the Indian Civil Aviation. We are confident of the existing security measures at the airports in the UAE,” said Housam Raydan, Corporate Communications Manager of Air Arabia.
Air India and Air India Express have asked their passengers to check in five hours before the departure timings, instead of the usual three hours on international flights.
Indian airline officials also said they were following safety drills meticulously.
An Emirates spokesperson said, “Authorities at Indian airports are implementing enhanced security measures. Emirates is co-operating fully with the relevant authorities to implement the additional measures. Our flights to India are operating as per schedule.”
05/12/08 Preeti Kannan/Khaleej Times, United Arab Emirates

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Categories: Foreign Dec 2008, Safety Dec 2008