Hijack threat: Security up at Chennai airport

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were directed to put in place a counter terrorism contingency plan at the Chennai airport after a woman sent an email, reportedly after overhearing six boys talking about a plan to simultaneously hijack planes from Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai airports. The woman had reportedly overheard the boy’s discussing the plan to deploy 23 men to carry out the hijacks.

“The e-mail could eventually turn out to be a hoax but till investigations conclude all security drills to thwart a hijack like scenario at the three airports,” said CISF Director General OP Singh. 

Following the email alert, the security agencies have been asked to respond quickly. “We have strengthened the security and a counter-terrorism contingency plan has been implemented. Additional screening of the passengers is being carried out and visitors are barred from entering the airport premises,” G Chandramouli, airport director, Chennai International Airport, told this newspaper.

Passengers had been asked to report for their flights in time to avoid unscheduled delays due to increased security and additional screening. The airport premises have been brought under the security blanket and the CISF personnel checked every vehicle that entered the complex. 

The airport staff are also being subjected to additional security check as prescribed in the contingency plan, sources added. Airport sources said the increased security measures did not result in delay of any flights from Chennai.