Hijack threat: Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad airports put on high alert post information on plane hijack plot, bomb threat

Airports at Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad were put on high alert on Sunday after airport security agencies received a specific tip off about a plan to hijack aircraft departing from Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad airport simultaneously on Sunday.

As per the information gathered, the hijacks were planned to be carried out by a team of 23 people.

An Airport Security Coordination Committee meeting was held on Saturday in response to the threat. It would be prudent for passengers who plan to board flights from these three airports to check-in on time and avoid last-minute delays.

Security tightened at Mumbai airport following hijack threat. (Inside visuals) pic.twitter.com/NzHWy3PWgJ

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"An email was sent by a woman who overheard 6 boys discussing a plan to simultaneously carry out hijacks from Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad airports," said a source. "A total of 23 people will be involved in the 3 hijacks which has been planned for Sunday," the source added.

O P Singh, Director-General CISF confirmed that the security agencies in these three airports have been put on high alert. "A number of security measures have been put in place. We have increased and strengthened the patrolling, access control. The number of security personnel deployed has been increased," Singh said.

The airport security agencies have also coordinated with the city police and other forces. Mumbai already has a city counter-terrorism contingency plan, but in Hyderabad and Chennai it's currently being put in place.