Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday instructed the government to implement thorough checks of passengers at major transportation facilities in the wake of a bomb attack at Moscow's Domodedovo airport that killed 35.

"We will have to set up a more thorough security system, a complete check. It will take more time for passengers, but this is the only way," Medvedev said at a Federal Security Service (FSB) meeting.

Up to 180 others were also injured after two suspected bombers detonated an explosive device hidden in a bag in the international arrivals zone at 4:32 p.m. (13:32 GMT), causing a blast equivalent to 5 kg of TNT.

The president's comments came as a security source told RIA Novosti that metal detectors at south Moscow's Vnukovo airport were only turned on after the Domodedovo blast.

Medvedev lauded transport security in the Unites States, saying transport checks there are "meticulous."

The attack was the most serious on Moscow since two female suicide bombers from the volatile North Caucasus republic of Dagestan blew themselves up at two of the capital's subway stations last March, killing 40.

Police have hinted the latest outrage may be linked to Islamist radicals in the North Caucasus.

Three suspects are being sought over the bombing.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Domodedovo airport security officials will be held accountable for "clear security breaches," as the terrorists entered the airport unchecked.

MOSCOW, January 25 (RIA Novosti)