NEW DELHI: Now, passengers flying out of the city need to be at the airport at least half an hour earlier than usual. With warnings of possible terror strikes on December 6 doing the rounds, IGI airport has been turned into a mini fortress overnight. The airport, already on high alert mode for several months now, has added several layers of security to its system, resulting in longer check-in time for passengers.

To begin with, the number of security personnel present at the airport has been increased. While there are about 3,000 CISF personnel stationed at the airport, the police presence is over 400 men. The National Security Guard (NSG) has also been asked to be on standby. Air marshals are likely to be on board certain flights as well. "Most team members have been equipped with bullet-proof jackets, helmets and sophisticated weapons. At least 15 AK-47s are being procured for officials posted at the airport. Those frisking passengers have been provided with explosives vapour detectors, the most reliable bomb detector,'' said a police official.

After an intelligence input about a possible terror attack involving a CNG vehicle, all autorickshaws, taxis and crew vehicles are being subjected to rigorous checks before they enter the main airport area. Private vehicles are also being subjected to random checks. Another layer of security greets passengers once they alight at the drop-off area. Here too one can expect to have their baggage checked by security agencies.

The check-in time, which usually took about 10-12 minutes during peak hours from the initial queue to the security hold area, has gone up to 20 minutes due to heightened security. "At the check-in counters, airlines are profiling passengers based on their age and purpose of travel. In the Mumbai terror attacks, the terrorists were all in the age-group of 18 to 30 years and passengers in that age bracket might be subjected to more rigorous questioning,'' revealed an airport official.

Airlines have also been asked to carry out ladder point checks which means passengers will be frisked again after security check, just before boarding their flights.

The CISF has also been given two ground bomb killer blankets that minimize the impact of any explosive. IGI's team of sniffer dogs is also doing frequent rounds of the airport region.

The airport has 104 IP based cameras in the domestic terminal and the police has asked for an additional 35 as soon as possible. The international terminal has 170 CCTVs and another 35 will be installed within a week.

Police sources said several plainclothes personnel have been deployed at strategic locations at the airport complex. Quick reaction teams have been also asked to stay on guard. "These teams will have snipers with them,'' said the officer.

Police officials said cops of nearby police stations have been asked to keep an eye on new faces visiting the parking lots or nearby taxi stands. "As part of our eyes and ears programme, we are in constant touch with taxi and auto drivers and taking their feedback on a daily basis. They can provide crucial ground-level information,'' added the officer.

The alert is expected to remain in effect till Republic Day.