From correspondents in Beijing, China, 10:01 PM IST

Beijing's central airport will be closed during the Olympics opening ceremony Aug 8 for security reasons, the China News Service reported Thursday.

According to the report, flights that are not linked to the Olympics will not be allowed to take off or land between 7:59 p.m. and midnight local time.

Stringent security precautions will be in place at all Olympic venues and Beijing transport hubs from July 20 with, for example, passengers and their companions having to present their luggage for a security check at the entry to the airport terminal.

Some media reports have also claimed that surface-to-air missiles have been positioned near the National Stadium.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)