Airport security at highest level: Pre-boarding checks for flyers

NEW DELHI: The govt has stepped up security at all Indian airports and flights to the highest level with immediate effect, with Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCAS) on Thursday mandating secondary ladder point security check, or pre-boarding check, for all passengers at all airports across the country. Additionally, visitor entry to terminal buildings has been prohibited.Airport operators have been ordered to ensure all CCTV cameras are operational.Air marshal deployment will be aligned accordingly. Intensive checking of vehicles and persons will be undertaken at the approach to airport terminals/installations and parking areas. Proper checking of IDs of passengers and staff before entering the airport - apart from random checking of passenger baggage - will be conducted.There will be strict on-ground monitoring of operations of microlite aircraft, aero models, para gliders, unmanned aerial systems, and drones; deployment of additional security guards at aircraft, and thorough scrutiny of PNR, passenger and cargo manifest.High security for airport cargo too In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, Air Force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes, so that no untoward incident takes place in the country. Accordingly, utmost precautions need to be taken by all the stakeholders," the order said.All checks for anything/person entering an aircraft are being raised to highest level. Govt ordered "strict monitoring of non-scheduled flight ops ...and enhanced security measures and surveillance at cargo & general aviation terminals".