Terror threat adds to woes of fog-hit fliers

New Delhi: While Delhi’s IGI Airport has been on high alert due to heightened security concerns for the Republic Day, the terror threat to all airlines originating from and departing for SAARC countries, especially Air India, has pushed security agencies in a tizzy.
Even as security deployment has been increased at the airside and terminals, officials are concerned that security personnel, already under stress due to the fog-related disruptions, will have a hard time coping with the tighter security measures.
Entry of all visitors to the arrival lounge of both the domestic and international terminals has been banned till January 30. This is done to ensure that only persons with valid tickets and airport employees have access to the terminals. Due to the alert, officials say there is a special focus on security of SAARC-bound and US-bound flights.
For passengers, it will be a good idea to reach the airport much before their flights are scheduled to depart, specially till January 30. Till that date security will be tight. Some airlines have issued advisories on their websites, asking even domestic passengers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flights are to depart.
‘‘However, passengers must also keep in mind that due to the fog, flight schedules are in a mess and they should not reach the airport without information on when their flights are scheduled for. Otherwise, it will only lead to a bigger chaos at the airport,’’ said an official.
23/01/10 Times of India

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Jan 2010