Bhubaneswar: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar will continue to be under tight security with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) extending the already announced red alert for another seven days.
The move comes in the wake of recent conflict between India and Pakistan following the brutal terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir last month. The Indian strike at the terrorist sites in Pakistan and subsequent attack by Islamabad have led to elevation in airport surveillance and preparedness across the country.
As per the enhanced security protocol, the ban on the entry of all non-traveller visitors will continue to be in force at the terminal, TOI reported.
It may be noted that around 200 visitors, including tourists, relatives, and friends of passengers, access the Bhubaneswar airport every day. However, BCAS has issued strict instruction against issuance of visitor passes at the airport until further notice.
Already classified as sensitive, Bhubaneswar airport is under increased scrutiny due to its strategic and operational relevance.
The anti-hijacking cell at the airport has also been reactivated and will remain operational. A Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC) has also been reinstated, sources said.
The steps provide an additional layer of security screening just before passengers board their flights, including extra baggage scanning and personal frisking, which is usually reserved for emergency or special situations.
