Airports on high alert due to small explosive found on aircraft

A suspected explosive device was found in the cargo hold of a Kingfisher Airlines passenger aircraft that had landed at Trivandrum International Airport (VOTV/TRV) in Thiruvananthapuram on 21 March 2010. Reports indicate that all passengers had safely disembarked off flight IT-4731, which originated in Bengaluru (Bangalore) when a crewmember discovered a small bomb wrapped in paper while clearing the main cargo hold of baggage. Indian authorities described the device, which was about the size of a tennis ball, as “more than a fire cracker, but less than a bomb." The aircraft was towed to an isolated area of the tarmac where a bomb squad searched the rest of the aircraft. Authorities have not yet determined who planted the device. Indian officials have launched an investigation into the apparent security lapse at Bengaluru International Airport (VOBL/BLR). Airports across India have been on high alert in recent months following reports of a hijacking plot and concerns that militants will try to ambush the entrances to airport terminals.