CAA investigates after TV sting reveals security flaws

The real Tim Groser. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has asked airlines to investigate a loophole in airport security, after major flaws were revealed yesterday.

A TV3 sting involved duplication of boarding passes and checking in extra luggage using an unsuspecting traveller's identity.

A Campbell Live reporter was able to check in through an Air New Zealand electronic kiosk as Trade Minister Tim Groser. Mr Groser later checked in as himself and boarded the same flight, with no questions asked.

The reporter and her cameraman were also able to both check in on flights run by JetStar, Pacific Blue and Air New Zealand using just one name.

Finally, the reporter was able to check in extra luggage under Transport Minister Steven Joyce's name without his knowledge, after he had passed through security.

CAA spokesman Bill Sommer said it had received the information contained in the story and had asked airlines involved to carry out separate investigations, and report back within "weeks not months".

"We'd hope to get the information back from the airports by the end of this week or early next week," he said.

After receiving the findings the CAA would carry out its own investigation if it was not satisfied with the results, he said.

Former police officer and security expert Ronnie McQuilter said the loophole was unacceptable and inexcusable.

"It's got all sorts of implications regarding privacy, kidnap and terrorism. It's just wrong in every respect," he said on Campbell Live.

Mr Sommer said having someone checking their bags without boarding the plane was the most concerning aspect of the story.

"Identity theft is no risk in terms of security, it's the incident of having bags on board aeroplanes where the person who has put the bag is not carried is of concern to us," he said.

Mr Joyce said the loophole had to be fixed right away.

"I'm not happy at all and neither is the CAA and neither is the airline concerned."

Mr Joyce said New Zealand was a benign environment but the security breach was still not good enough.

"The airlines have to come up with solutions and the director of CAA has to be happy with those. They are moving very quickly, as I understand days not weeks," Mr Joyce said.

Air New Zealand spokeswoman Tracy Mills said it was working to remedy the flaws.

"Air New Zealand is grateful that the flaw in the baggage check-in process was brought to our attention and we are moving swiftly to implement a remedy so it will not be able to happen again," she said.

- NZPA