Indian airports on high alert, flyers urged to report early

New Delhi - The security advisory has been issued across the country ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

Authorities have beefed up security for all the major airports in India in view of the security alert issued by the government.
According to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security sources, all the civil aviation establishments have been asked to tighten their security ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
Indira Gandhi International Airport authorities have asked flyers to report early and have ordered the closure of 'meet and greet' area till August 20.
The domestic flyers have been requested to reach the airport minimum of three hours in advance and international flyers have been asked to reach four hours prior to their scheduled flight. "The entry to meeters and greeters area will be barred from August 10 to August 20, 2019. Any inconvenience caused is regretted." IGI Airport authorities said.
The enhanced security measures included through screening of passengers, tightening access control in aviation installations, strengthening of anti-terrorism and anti-sabotage measures, enhanced security in cargo terminals and parking areas and strict vigil on the movement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) around aviation installations, the sources said.

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), which operates the airport, has also issued an advisory to passengers to reach the airport early.
It has also declared a ban on visitors' entry into airport from August 10 to 20. Sources said the restrictions were imposed as part of the security arrangements ahead of Independence Day.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for airport security, has tightened security measures including scanning of luggage and frisking of passengers, the sources said.
As per the alert issued by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BACS), both CISF and the police have intensified the patrolling.
Police have set up additional checkpoints for vehicle checking.
Airlines were also advising passengers to reach the airport two-and-half hours to three hours before the scheduled departure of their flights.

• India