Rush to reach airport before lockdown

Most flights flew in and out and public transport was available outside the airport terminal on Thursday.

Airport officials said hundreds of passengers who were booked on Thursday’s flights had arrived at the airport on Wednesday night fearing they might not get transport once the 16-hour lockdown kicked in at 6am. The passengers stayed the night in the departure lounge.

Buses and yellow taxis were parked outside the terminal for arriving passengers.

In the city, police allowed cars to move if they were convinced they were headed for the airport. There was apprehension about availability of public transport because the state government had not included flights on the list of exempted services.