Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 6: Tensions between India and Pakistan have triggered elaborate security checks at all metro airports. Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru which is India’s third busiest airport is witnessing long queues and in-turn frustration from passengers who are stressed after standing for long hours.

On March 2, the Centre had directed all airports and airlines in the country to enhance the existing security measures.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had issued the alert to all senior police officials of all states, in-charges of security at all airlines and airports, and officers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Twenty specific enhanced security measures were cited to be in operation until further orders, which included 100 per cent pat-down search at pre-embarkation security checkpoints. KIA has 19 pre-embarkation gates for domestic passengers and six for international travellers.

The high alert applies to all civil aviation installations such as airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, and aviation training institutes.

Meanwhile, passengers have taken to social media to vent out their frustration. A passenger PVS Murthy took to twitter to write that the Bangalore Airport has become busy with long queues. He also observed that flight tickets have become expensive.

He received an apologetic reply from the official handle of KIA. “We are sorry for the trouble you had to go through. Strict security measures are due to high alert at all metro airports,” the tweet read.