UK airports on Brussels-style terror attack warning

Image
Press Trust of India London
Last Updated : Apr 04 2016 | 6:29 PM IST
Security experts in Britain have warned travellers against Brussels-style terror attacks at the country's airports, including the busy Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, as they called for stepping up security measures at the entry to terminals.
Over 10 people were killed and many seriously injured after suicide bombers blew themselves up at Zaventem airport in Brussels on March 22.
"The events in Brussels have served to remind us that public area is vulnerable and there is more work to maximise airport security.
"Airports internationally have that vulnerability and struggle to cope with the challenge," aviation expert Matthew Finn, managing director of consultancy firm Augmentiq, told 'Daily Star'.
More than the risk of flying, security experts now believe the real danger to travellers is before they even get to check-in.
They have warned travellers against Brussels-style terror attacks in the country, home to the busy Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports.
Defence and aviation consultant Paul Edwards, managing director of Strategic Effect, said: "Attacks against airports aren't new but the terrorists' MO (modus operandi) in Brussels was new to Europe. They defeated security because they didn't go through security.
"Terrorist groups have a habit of repeating successful methods. The security of check-in areas needs to be improved and needs to be extended to include entry to terminals."
Edwards called on British airports to at least check that people have a passport and plane ticket when they attempt to enter terminal buildings.
He also advocated luggage and body scans at the entrance.
Zaventem airport has introduced these measures whenit reopened yesterday.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 04 2016 | 6:29 PM IST

Next Story