Indian airport alert
04 Dec 2008
NEW DELHI — Three major Indian airports have been put on high terrorism alert following warnings from intelligence agencies, an official of the Civil Aviation Ministry said yesterday.

The alert comes in the wake of a terrorist attack on Mumbai last week that left more than 170 people dead.

An e-mail to officials at the Delhi airport warned of hijacking and terror strikes from the Deccan Mujahideen between Wednesday and Sunday, IANS news agency reported, citing official sources.

The little-known organisation has claimed responsibility for the Mumbai terror attacks.

An official of the ministry for Civil Aviation said she is not aware of the mail or a hijack threat.

“Security has been heightened on basis of intelligence inputs,” said Moushumi Chakravarty, an information officer at the ministry.

She said additional paramilitary and police have been deployed at airports across India. Tightened security is also in place at the Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai airports. International flights land at all three airports.

“Passengers have been asked to arrive three hours before their flights. There is more detailed checking …” she said.

Chiefs of the Indian army, navy and air force held a meeting with federal Defence Minister A.K. Antony in New Delhi on Wednesday. Indian Air Force Chief Fali Homi Major confirmed yesterday that the possibility of an aerial attack by terrorists had been discussed.

The security alert “is based on a warning which has been received by the government and we are prepared as usual,” Major said.