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SCMP Editorial

Evidence is mounting that a terrorist attack may have been responsible for the loss of an EgyptAir flight with 66 people on board. If that turns out to be the case, it will deepen concern about airport and airline security, particularly in North African and Middle Eastern countries. Authorities have linked at least two of three previous attacks in the region in the past year to airport employees who used their positions to exploit gaps in security.



Suspicions of terrorism in EgyptAir crash grow, calling airport security into question

This has prompted airports elsewhere including Asia to reflect on their own security. It is a reminder that ultimately any defence is only as secure as its weakest link. Recent incidents at Hong Kong International Airport did not amount to security threats. But they are wake-up calls that have brought security under fresh scrutiny. In the latest incident, the Airport Authority confirmed a breach involving two Indonesian passengers in transit to Beijing. They made their way to the departure area without passing through the transfer desk, immigration or required security checks simply by not getting off the airport’s internal train at the arrival area, but remaining on board as it proceeded to the departure area after picking up a fresh load of passengers.

Hong Kong airport security breach exposed

Happily, the Airport Authority became aware of the breach and the passengers were eventually given the all-clear. This may indicate an efficient security back-up is in place. However, disclosure of the breach through a media leak by airport sources has prompted lawmakers to seek an explanation and security evaluation. Their concern is understandable, following a breach last month involving a young woman believed to suffer from a mental disability. Without a boarding pass or passport, she evaded normal checks and reached a far-flung boarding gate before being stopped.
Airport security came into focus after staff delivered left-behind luggage to the chief executive’s daughter in the closed-off departure zone, though the issue became political amid denials of a security breach. Low-profile glitches like the two recent examples can pose real threats to security.


Constant vigilance needed when it comes to airport security

People participate in a candlelight vigil in memory of the victims of the Egyptian airplane crash. Photo: Xinhua

Opinion

Recent glitches underline the importance of closing any gaps in security to deter those with nefarious motives from taking advantage


Constant vigilance needed when it comes to airport security

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Recent glitches underline the importance of closing any gaps in security to deter those with nefarious motives from taking advantage

Recent glitches underline the importance of closing any gaps in security to deter those with nefarious motives from taking advantage