CHENNAI: In view of the Republic Day celebrations, a stringent five-tier security blanket has been activated at the Chennai International Airport. The heightened security measures, which came into effect from Saturday midnight, will remain in force until midnight on January 30, according to the airport authorities.
With India set to celebrate its 75th Republic Day on January 26, security has been intensified across the country. Mirroring this, Chennai Airport has bolstered its arrangements, with the security protocol being escalated to a maximum seven-tier system for the peak period of January 24, 25, and 26. The comprehensive security drill involves multiple agencies.
Vehicles approaching the airport are being stopped at the main entrance gate, and the security personnel are conducting multi-layered inspections of vehicles using sniffer dogs, while bomb disposal squads are conducting scans using metal detectors.
Armed police personnel are maintaining a constant vigil, patrolling the airport premises. Special attention is being given to the multi-level car parking area, where vehicles parked for extended periods are being meticulously inspected by experts.
Additionally, commando units of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), accompanied by sniffer dogs, are carrying out intensive checks across all sections of the airport, including the aircraft apron area.
Passenger screening has also been enhanced.
Besides the usual checks, a secondary security screening is being conducted at the boarding gates, with restrictions in place on carrying liquids, pickles, halwa, jams, and oil bottles in cabin baggage.
Cargo and baggage handling areas are under heightened surveillance, with all parcels undergoing multiple layers of scrutiny before being loaded onto aircraft. Security at fuel stations has been augmented with additional CCTV cameras, monitored round-the-clock from the airport's security control room.
Passenger advisory
Due to the increased security checks, passengers have been advised to arrive at the airport well in advance. Domestic travellers are requested to report one and a half hours before their flight departure, while international passengers should arrive three and a half hours prior.
Airport officials have assured that while the airport is under a tight security cordon, flight operations will not be disrupted. Passengers can travel without apprehension on all flights, following the revised reporting guidelines.