Authorities issue a hijack alert for several airports

Indian authorities issued a hijack alert for several airports on 30 January 2009 after airports in the states of Maharashtra (where Mumbai is located) and Gujarat received warnings of a possible hijacking plot. Local officials denied media reports that the plot specifically targeted Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (VABB/BOM) in Mumbai. Security has been tightened at airports in the two states, with additional patrols of terminals and strict searches for passengers in the airports and surrounding areas. In Maharashtra, police protection will be provided for any aircraft that is not protected by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Airport officials did not specify how long the security measures will remain in place. Major airports throughout India have been on high alert since the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai