Midnight flight will keep security men on their toes

The Pune-Dubai service by low cost carrier Air India Express, commencing on January 14, 2009 will also bring with it a slew of security concerns.

Pune-Dubai flight to commence next month

The Pune-Dubai service by low cost carrier Air India Express, commencing on January 14, 2009 will also bring with it a slew of security concerns. Air India has made a special request to the airport director to increase vigilance as the thrice-a-week flight lands around midnight. The Air India station manager has suggested that a registry be kept to keep a tab on passengers at the exit gates of the airport. Post-26/11, security concerns are high as at least 100 passengers from Dubai are expected to fly into Pune every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, the full capacity being 145. 8220;As traffic increases in the night and especially foreign passengers are expected in large numbers, a special registry at the exit gates is a must,8221; said Dhairyasheel Vandekar, station manager, Air India. Vandekar has written to the airport director in this regard on December 12. 8220;It is better to record passenger names and registration numbers of taxis/autorickshaws in which they commute. Airport administration can take the help of the police in this regard,8221; says the Vandekar8217;s letter.

Pune airport director G Chandramouli said the authorities were taking all precautions to ensure sufficient security cover for passengers. 8220;We have been handling an international flight operated by Lufthansa, that lands at midnight, for the last 10 months. To that extent, we are ready,8221; he said.

Chandramouli said there were elaborate guidelines of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security BCAS and the Airports Authority of India AAI was following them. 8220;There are some instructions for airlines too. The Central Industrial Security Force CISF has been keeping tight vigil,8221; he said.

Vandekar has also written to the city police commissioner Satyapal Singh to provide night patrol on the airport road, from Gunjan theatre in Yerawada to Nagpur chawl.

8220;There were recent incidents of passengers being robbed at night. As the road is deserted at night, patrolling is necessary,8221; he said. Vandekar has suggested that Pune Municipal Corporation install cameras on the airport road.