Paris attacks: airports up security

Airlines flying to Paris are operating according to schedule but travellers are advised to prepare for delays due to security being tightened in the city after the terrorist attacks that shook the city on Friday, November 13.  Airports across Europe have also increased security as a result of the attacks. 

 

A representative from Capago also confirmed that they are still accepting French Schengen visa applications as per normal. 

 

Lufthansa said its flights to and from Paris were operating as normal. “There are no changes in current flight operations, although passengers may encounter longer waiting times at the security checks as extensive passport controls before departure or upon arrival are conducted in many European airports,” a representative from Lufthansa told eTNW.

 

Lufthansa, which is offering free rebooking of flights into and out of Paris, also warned that spot checks of identity documents will take place for flights arriving from Schengen countries. "Non-compliance can lead to a fine and a ban on entry in to France," Lufthansa said on its website. This regulation will be in place until mid-December. 

 

Delta Air Lines flights from the US are also operating as normal, says sales manager, Margaret Copeland. “We comply with all security measures put in place but, as a precaution, I would suggest that passengers check in a bit earlier than before,” she said.

 

Air France said yesterday that identity checks and baggage screening had been reinforced in Europe – particularly for Schengen area passengers – following Friday’s attacks. The airline is warning travellers that while all its flights are operating, delays to arriving and departing flights should be expected.

 

“Passengers are requested to arrive at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport three hours before their flight and ensure they have a valid identity document in their possession,” Air France said in a statement. Increased screening in airport terminals and in exclusion areas around the aircraft had also been put in place by authorities, the airline said. 

 

The North Terminal of London Gatwick airport was evacuated on Saturday, November 14, following a terror scare and heightened tensions from the events in Paris just hours prior. All gates at Terminal C of Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport were also reportedly closed on Saturday following a post on Twitter that alluded to possible attacks at both Schiphol and Brussels Airport.

 

Source: http://www.etnw.co.za/