Bar on visitors at city airport to continue amid heightened vigil
2
Bhubaneswar: With the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) extending the red alert at Biju Patnaik International Airport here for seven more days following the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, common visitors will not be allowed to enter the BPIA.
Additionally, the activation of BPIA's anti-hijacking cell will remain in force, and a high alert status will be maintained. Earlier, BPIA authorities conducted a comprehensive review of navigational assets to ensure operational security.
"Until further notice, the airport will be out of bounds for common visitors in view of the recent tensions. Secondary ladder point check (SLPC) will be in place for some more days.
The second layer of security check is carried out in emergency situations and on special occasions," said airport director Prasanna Pradhan.
Sources said the last time the airport authorities activated SLPC was following a threat mail from Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Airport officials said that minutes before passengers board a flight, their bags will be scanned, and they may be frisked, which is not done usually. Normally, after the primary security check by
CISF
personnel before proceeding to the departure lounge, no further checking is done.
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Airport sources said in view of the tensions, the BCAS issued directions to airport authorities not to provide visitor passes for entering terminal buildings. On an average, around 200 people visit the airport every day. The visitors include tourists and relatives and friends of passengers. Bhubaneswar airport is treated as sensitive by BCAS.
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