I-Day ordeal: Tight security delays 64 flights at city airport

From Wednesday evening to Thursday morning, the departure of 64 flights, including 20 international flights, were delayed, said sources. This included flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, Colombo, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt. In addition, 44 domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore and Tiruchy were also delayed.

Airport sources said all passengers were checked thoroughly before they were allowed to board the flights after the security at the airport was tightened following a Red Alert last week. While the security personnel used to check at least three passengers in a minute usually, it took 1-2 minutes for each passenger since Wednesday evening. The passengers were asked to remove their shoes and belts.

Anticipating the additional time that the checking would entail, both domestic and international passengers were asked to come earlier than usual.

The delay happened despite increasing the number of counters and CISF officers, as the number of passengers was more and many of them did not reach the airport on time in spite of the advisory, said airport officials.

The tight security arrangement is expected to continue till August 25.