Red alert at Bhubaneswar airport extended, complete ban on entry of visitors

Security measures at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar will remain intensified as the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) extended the ongoing red alert for another seven days.

As reported by The Times of India, the directive comes in response to recent geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, which have led to a nationwide elevation in airport surveillance and preparedness.

Complete Visitor Ban Imposed

As part of the enhanced security protocol, entry for all non-traveller visitors has been completely banned at the terminal.

Normally, around 200 visitors, including tourists, relatives, and friends of passengers, access the airport daily. However, BCAS has instructed that no visitor passes be issued until further notice. 

Bhubaneswar airport, already classified as sensitive, is under increased scrutiny due to its strategic and operational relevance.

Activation of Anti-Hijacking and SLPC Measures

The reports also added that the airport’s anti-hijacking cell has been reactivated and will remain operational. A Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC) has also been reinstated.

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.

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Bomb Scare Adds to Tension

Adding to the tense atmosphere, an unclaimed handbag discovered at the airport on May 9 triggered a bomb scare. The area was immediately evacuated, and the bomb disposal squad, along with a canine unit, was deployed.

After a thorough inspection, the bag was found to contain harmless items like diapers and a charger. It was eventually traced back to a woman passenger arriving from Hyderabad, and no threat was established.

However, the incident highlighted the requisite need for heightened vigilance at a time when India issued a NOTAM barring Pakistani aircraft from Indian airspace further until June 23.