Mid Day

Mumbai, Apr 7: The couples who used the Juhu aerodrome to cuddle and kiss will now have to find an alternative.

Authorities at the aerodrome have decided to crack down on couples, who sneaked inside, as it was a security breach.

According to airport sources, the couples entered the aerodrome from the holes in the boundary wall bordering the slums near Mithibai College and also near Juhu Koliwada.

They also sneaked in from a makeshift entrance used by the Bombay Flying Club, near the Juhu beach.

“The couples used to bribe the watchmen at the gate of the flying cub and enter the airport in the evening and leave late at night,” the official said.

“They used to sit near the runway and in corners around the airport,” he added. There are no flights at Juhu airport after sunset and it is primarily used by helicopters.

Sources added that in the airport security meeting last week, some members raised this issue. “We have since made sure that the couples do not get in to the airport,” the official said.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has now made sure that the watchmen have been changed and there is increased security to prevent couples from entering.

Confirming the move, V D Yadav, deputy general manager of Juhu Airport said steps have been taken to stop couples from entering the airport.

“The airport has long been used by local residents for evening strolls and as a jogging track. We also have instances in the evening when people come to learn driving on the runway,” said the official.