Air India has stepped up precautions against a terrorist attack

Airports in India have been advised to step up security following a series of intelligence reports suggesting a possible terrorist attack.

Officials were on high alert with warnings a Delhi-Kabul flight operated by state-run Air India could be targeted by Islamist groups.

The warning comes ahead of Republic Day, where India celebrates the launch of its 1950 constitution and formal independence from Britain.

United States president Barack Obama will be the guest of honour at the celebrations in Delhi this year.

India has issued a number of terror alerts in recent years.

“Security around all the airports has been strengthened and we have taken all the measures that are required in the wake of the alert from intelligence agencies,” officials confirmed earlier.

Passengers arriving at airports in India will now be subjected to extra screening before they board an aircraft.

Armed sky marshals are also expected to be deployed on certain flights.