Terror Alert: Suicide Bombers Planned to Board Saturday's Air India Flights

Airports in India will be on high alert on Friday and Saturday following an intelligence report that says that suicide bombers will try to board two Air India flights in the wee hours of Saturday.

According to a report by Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) headquarters in New Delhi, a copy of which was accessed by Ahmedabad Mirror, suicide bombers may board Air India's Ahmedabad-Mumbai and Mumbai-Kochi flights that are scheduled for early morning departure on Saturday.

"An input received says: Air India flight on the midnight of October 24 (early morning of October 25) from Ahmadabad to Mumbai and early morning flight from Mumbai to Kochi on 25^th morning at 0500 hrs. Suicide bomber in each flight separately. Please check thoroughly," the letter reads according to Ahmedabad Mirror.

"Secondary security checks may be carried out at Ahmadabad and Mumbai airports for all flights around the concerned dates," the letter further adds. The intelligence input was reportedly forwarded to concerned officials on 22 October by regional deputy commissioner of security (Civil Aviation), Ahmedabad.

Increased checks on passengers and other security measures are already in place on airports. Access control have been tightened while anti-hijacking units are put on alert, the tabloid reported citing a unnamed but 'highly placed source'. The source said that a terror strike when everyone is in festive mood, would mean the attack will take everyone by surprise.

Noting that 24 October is Gujarati New Year and 25 October is Bhai Beej, the source said that everyone is in festive mood and busy with celebrations.

"The letter has shocked everyone. Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Kochi airports have been put on heightened alert and passengers will be subjected to stringent security checks."