Airports in at least a half dozen European countries have tightened security measures in the aftermath of last Friday’s simultaneous attacks on Israeli airline counters at the Rome and Vienna airports.
The airports in Athens, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Paris and Lisbon are under “red alert.” They are considered especially “sensitive” and are taking precautions against possible attack by Palestinian terrorists. Heavily armed police have been posted at all check-in counters. Armored police vehicles patrol the tarmac outside the terminal buildings and escort planes taxiing for landing or take-off.
The Greek government ordered special measures at Athens airport, which is believed to have been the boarding place for terrorists who hijacked a TWA airliner last June 14 and an Egyptian airliner last November 23. The Interior Minister personally inspected the airport over the weekend and checked security precautions.
At Orly Airport in Paris, the El Al counter and waiting area is under heavy guard by some 250 uniformed police and an undisclosed number of plainclothes security men.
Visitors to airports in Spain and Italy described the security measures taken there as “highly visible.” Dozens of uniformed carabinieri patrol the air terminals in Italy, while the Spanish Civil Guard is posted in the corridors and at check-in counters at Spanish airports.
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