Customs blames Air India for flight delays

Kochi: Customs today alleged that "flight delays and difficulties" faced by international passengers of Air India flights last week at Cochin International Airport was due to the non-observance by Air India of Customs Rules and Procedures that gained importance in light of global terrorist activities. In a statement, Customs said last week?s delay of Muscat and Sharjah bound Air India flights from the International Airport at Nedumbassery near here was due to lapses on the part of AI, in not submitting Passenger and Cargo Manifest and crew personal property declarations to Customs. These are mandatory documents required by Customs at every airport during the time of arrival and departure of international flights, the statement said. Customs officers primarily rely on these documents to detect cases of smuggling of drugs, fake currency, contrabands and other wildlife related matters, which are of national security concern -- especially at present when terrorist organisations are behind such activities, the statement said.
17/09/11 PTI/IBN Live

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Categories: Air India Sep 2011, airports Sep 2011