Hong Kong airport security breach exposed
Two transit passengers on way to Beijing bypassed required security checks on Friday
Hong Kong’s Airport Authority has confirmed a significant security breach involving two wayward transit passengers from Indonesia who made their way to the departure area, bypassing the required security checks.
Lawmakers have demanded an explanation and security evaluation of the breach on Friday, which was kept under wraps until sources leaked it to media over the weekend.
A source told the Post that the two passengers had boarded the airport terminal’s internal train after arriving from Surabaya, Indonesia in the afternoon. They were supposed to get off at the arrival area and proceed to either the transfer desk or immigration counter for their next flight to Beijing, and pass through security checks.
They did not get off the train, and remained on board as it proceeded to the departure area after picking up departing passengers at the next stop.
According to established procedures, passengers must first go through security screening before boarding a transit flight in Hong Kong, even if they have already been screened at the point of departure.
A spokesman said the Airport Authority had been notified about the breach at 3:30pm on Friday.