Airport worker security clampdown looms

Transport Minister Simon Bridges says safety measures are likely to be toughened up. Photo / File

Threats could bring new compliance requirements

Consultants PGI Intelligence say airport security around the world is set to be tightened following the bombing of a Russian plane and the Paris terrorist attacks.

The crash of the Metrojet passenger flight on Egypt's Sinai peninsula on October 31 and the apparent security lapses at Sharm el-Sheikh airport have already prompted tighter security at Egyptian airports, There has been a review of security standards at airports internationally, including the vetting of staff and suppliers amid concern over the insider threat.

The incident has renewed calls to standardise airport security measures, potentially introducing new compliance requirements and more costs for airport operators, PGI says.

In New Zealand a review of aviation security was already under way at the time of the Metrojet crash and Transport Minister Simon Bridges says safety measures are likely to be toughened up. Staff screening is one area being looked at.

All airside workers here are vetted, including ground staff, flight crew, Avsec and CAA employees and duty-free shop workers. About 25,000 workers hold permanent airport identity cards.

PGI said Britain would toughen up airport security.

This was reiterated by Prime Minister David Cameron after the attacks in Paris. He announced a review of airports used by British travellers around the world, as well as more advice, training and equipment for local authorities at those airports.

The US Department of Homeland Security announced a review of security on flights to the US, especially from 10 unnamed airports where it was considering providing security assistance. Countries that are heavily dependent on tourism and facing terrorism threats from Islamic State, including Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Tunisia, are likely to be among these.

The US Transportation Security Administration this year rejected full screening of all airport staff on the grounds of cost, but an associated Aviation Security Advisory Committee report advised on increased random searches and reduced access to sensitive areas.

"The immediate security changes introduced at airports will increase direct costs ... as well as potentially disrupting efficiency and causing delays. There will likely be some resistance from the aviation industry to knee-jerk measures, for example, proposals for passengers to identify their luggage before being loaded on to aircraft," PGI says

Nonetheless, airports will inevitably feel pressure to adopt tighter security practices because of reputational and competitive disadvantages of perceived non-compliance with new security norms.

PGI says aviation experts have called for an international framework to address airport security issues.

"Inevitably for airport operators, the need to enhance security, remain competitive and provide assurances to airlines will have to be balanced with avoiding disruption and unviable costs."