Terror alert: Air India asks fliers to report 3 hours before departure

Air India has asked its passengers to turn up three hours before the take-off time of their flights citing stringent security measures at airports following the Pathankot terrorist attacks and the run up to India’s 66th Republic Day celebrations.

Air India has asked its passengers to turn up three hours before the take-off time of their flights citing stringent security measures at airports following the Pathankot terrorist attacks and the run up to India’s 66th Republic Day celebrations.

Air India has asked its passengers to turn up three hours before the take-off time of their flights citing stringent security measures at airports following the Pathankot terrorist attacks and the run up to India’s 66th Republic Day celebrations

Check-in counters for domestic flights closed down 45 minutes before departure and issuing of boarding cards to people travelling abroad are stopped an hour before the scheduled take-off time. While there would be no changes to that AI officials said that the appeal issued on Monday was a preventive measure to avoid delays owing to slow terminal movement.

“Baggage checks have become stern in the wake of the heightened security arrangements. As a result it is better if people report early for their flight,” said an official.

An airline spokesperson confirmed the move. “Air India accords utmost importance to the safety and security of its passengers and equipment. In view of the recent security alert in the country, passengers/baggage may have to undergo more stringent checks at airports. To avoid any delays to the flight departures owing to these procedures, Air India has requested passengers to report at the counter well in time for check-in,” read a statement issued by the airline.

All Indian airports went on high alert soon after terror attack at the Pathankot Air Force base on January 2. According to directives issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the number of armed jawans posted at watch towers ahead of airport entry gates was increased.