Security at New Delhi airport intensified

PTI reports an anonymous e-mail threatening to blow up the international airport in New Delhi has prompted authorities to step up security by deploying additional forces inside and outside the facility.

The information about the e-mail was passed on to higher officials of the CISF, which is handling security at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), from Gujarat, CISF sources said today.

The airport has been on high alert since terrorists struck Mumbai on Wednesday night killing over 180 people and security was strengthened in the facility by intensifying checking and patrolling.

Sources said the CISF deployment inside the airport has been increased after the Mumbai terror attacks while Delhi Police had been roped in to provide more security to the facility.

"We have taken adequate precautions after receiving information about an email threatening to blow up the airport. There is nothing to panic. We are leaving nothing to chance. Adequate steps have been taken," a senior CISF official said.

The security establishment has also asked CISF to coordinate with Delhi Police to provide security to the 'city side' of the airport, which is outside the terminal building.

Fearing attack on aircraft, Delhi Police have already prohibited assembling of people or parking of vehicles at a 500-metre stretch on the NH-8 near the airport, popularly called "Jumbo point".

The order came in the wake of reports that a large number of people gather near the landing and take off area of the airport which may cause security risk for the aircraft.

I can only request pranksters not to play with the emotions of a stressed nation at this time, and at the same time, request passengers to take extra time. New Delhi is already the nation's most time consuming airport due to the high levels of security, and at this time of tension, it will only take longer.