Authorities issue high alert for 3 Indian airports after hijack threats

Indian Authorities on Sunday put three key airports in the country on high alert following threat of a hijack attempt, local media reports said.

The security at major international airports in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai was stepped up after security agencies were informed about a possible hijack attempt of an aircraft from these airports.

Officials said the high alert was issued after Mumbai Police received an email last night from a woman, citing she overheard six boys talking about a possible aircraft hijack attempt from Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai airports.

A senior official from India's Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), a paramilitary wing responsible for the security of airports across India, told media the security apparatus at these airports has been beefed up.

Reports said CISF has pressed in its sniffer dog squads and asked airlines to remain extra vigilant to foil any possible attempt.

The authorities have initiated an investigation into the email.

India had to handle hijacking situation in December 1999 when a militant group hijacked Delhi-bound Indian Airlines flight IC-814 from Kathamandu. The plane was taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan and the Indian government freed three top militants in exchange of the 166 hostages. Endit