Russian media reports said on November 16 that airports in Russia’s capital, Moscow, have been on the high security threat alert since November 10.
The maximum terrorist attack threat level has been introduced at Moscow's Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo airports for the first time, Russian daily Izvestiya reported yesterday, citing a document sent by Rostransnadzor (the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport) to airline companies and carriers.
Rostransnadzor reportedly notified airlines that they must take additional security measures corresponding to the new threat level.
Izvestiya also said that the third level alert has also been introduced at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg.
According to it, the representative of the airport did not comment on this information, pointing out that Pulkovo fulfills all measures for transport and aviation security in full.
The security alert at the airports in Moscow and St. Petersburg will be extended after November 24, Izvestiya added.
The measures were reportedly introduced after an incident on October 28 at Pulkovo Airport where a car drove onto the sidewalk, broke through the perimeter fence of the airport, and drove to the airport apron.
Meanwhile, Crisis24 says that under the third security level, which is the maximum terror threat level, airports are required to increase the number of rapid response teams and transport security personnel. Security personnel may erect checkpoints at access points and check identification and travel documents before granting persons access to transport areas. Enhanced security measures may also include intensive baggage, vehicle, and passenger checks, as well as traffic restrictions near airports. Enhanced checks within affected airports may prompt passenger processing delays.
