I-Day safety: Airlines ask passengers to report early

MUMBAI: Domestic airlines have asked passengers to reach airports early as intensive security checks ahead of Independence Day will slow transit time across airports.

MUMBAI: Domestic airlines have asked passengers to reach airports early as intensive security checks ahead of Independence Day will slow transit time across airports.

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The routine security alerts that are usually sounded around such dates came into effect on Monday and will last a couple of weeks, said officials from Mumbai airport’s security department.

With two public holidays on August 15 and 18 — Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan — airports would see a rush over the next two weeks, said officials.

Jet Airways, for instance, issued an advisory on its Twitter handle. “Owing to enhanced security measures, from August 8-22 all guests are requested to report early at all Indian airports,” it read.

Airline sources said it is advisable to travel light, particularly for people booked for short leisure trips during the two long weekends.

“People carrying heavy baggage will take longer than usual to get past security holds,” said a senior Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan, on condition of anonymity.

Security cover has been scaled up as usual.

Armed personnel manning watch booths at the airport entrances were increased and patrolling populated stretches within the terminal. The security at waiting areas was also upgraded, said another CISF official.