Airport Terror Trap

December 1, 2003
Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia

Airport Terror Trap

REGIONAL airports are virtual launching pads for terrorist strikes against
cities, an audit has found.

They had poor security, staffing and resources and in some cases could
barely afford to pay to rebuild decrepit fences between runways and main
roads. 
The independent confidential review of New South Wales regional airports
seeks urgent cash to ensure air security is maintained nationally. 

The independent review, by Southern Cross Group (Australasia), contracted by
air operators found: 

COMMERCIAL passenger aircraft were being left unguarded overnight on some
airstrips. 

AIRCRAFT were flying in and out of airports at night unchecked, leading to
an estimated loss of an average $150,000 in flight fees. 

VEHICLES such as catering vans were travelling on tarmacs without checks. 

CAR PARKS had been established near fuel storage areas or close to fencing
and aircraft. 

SOME airports had no guards at their terminals. 

AIRCRAFT were flying with no registration markings. 

In one case the review team found evidence of articles being able to pass
between well-wishers and passengers after they crossed supposed secure
areas. 

The Sydney-based group declined to comment specifically about its "risk
assessment" but confirmed it was alarmed by what its staff had found. 

"It is a concern particularly the level of complacency we found with
security at some of these airports not only by operators but by staff," the
spokesman said. 

"It all comes down to funding and some of these airports simply cannot
afford to do any more." 

Recommendations include having movement-activated cameras for all airports
viewed from one central location, guards to protect aircraft on the ground,
and cameras to capture aircraft taking off and landing after hours. 

Federal Cabinet's national security committee is expected this week to
proceed with plans for armed sky marshals on international flights and full
baggage screening at major airports by December 2004. 



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