Question : Security Arrangement at Airports

(a) whether the security/intelligence agencies have expressed their dissatisfaction/pointed out certain shortcomings in the security arrangement at major airports in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether security agencies have identified certain airports that are particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto along with the steps taken/being taken by the Government to spruce up security arrangements at all the airports across the country?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)

(a) & (b): Central Security Agencies have not expressed any specific dissatisfaction regarding the security arrangements at airports. However, during the inspection/audit shortcomings are reported from time to time and remedial action is taken on the basis of their inputs to remove the shortcomings. This is a continuous process.

(c) & (d): Based on security threat perceptions, airports are generally classified into the categories of normal, sensitive and hypersensitive airports, and necessary counter measures are taken accordingly to strengthen security at these airports. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security(BCAS), the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in the country, issues instructions covering various aspects of airport security and continuously audits and monitors the airports to ensure their implementation.