Acting on intelligence warnings that terrorist outfits are hatching plans to hijack aircraft and launch attacks at Indian airports, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has directed all commercial airlines, including Air India, to beef up security with additional manpower during their day-to-day operations.

A top government official told Mail Today that the security agencies were working on plans to depute sky marshals on board commercial flights to the Gulf, Europe and South Asian Association for Regional Corporation (SAARC) countries.

The security audit of airlines came up last week following a series of intelligence warnings about possible hijack bids and attacks by Islamic outfits such as Indian Mujahideen.

The issue was discussed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and other related security agencies, including the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Intelligence Bureau (IB), CISF and Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

A top government official said an incident where an empty stun grenade was found earlier this month on board an Air India aircraft that was meant as a standby for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US trip also figured in the discussion.

MoCA and BCAS officials were given a warning and have been asked to review their security standards and procedures. Following the meeting, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has directed the civil aviation secretary to ensure that airlines follow the BCAS and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines on security.

A senior official said the commercial airlines had been told to deploy more manpower for security purposes.

“They have to ensure security and sanitise their aircraft from outside and inside. Also, baggage that goes on board will be checked thoroughly. They will now have to ensure better security.

They need to add more manpower for enhancing security,” the official said. According to BCAS guidelines, at least seven security personnel have to be deputed for the complete security check of an aircraft.

This would include guarding an aircraft from outside and inspecting it from inside as well. The BCAS has been asked to examine if airlines have adequate manpower to conduct mandatory security checks before each flight.

Ironically, the BCAS has been headless for over two years. The MoCA has been demanding the appointment of a new chief since the days of the UPA regime.

The BCAS is normally headed by an IPS officer of the rank of the director general. The MHA has still not cleared the names of the officers recommended by the MoCA.

The BCAS plans, strategises and supervises security of all commercial airports across the country and examines preparedness to face new challenges.