Vancouver International Airport beefs up security in the wake of Istanbul attack
But no plans to introduce X-ray or vehicle checks, says airport vice president
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is operating under tighter security following a terrorist attack at Istanbul, Turkey’s Ataturk Airport that killed at least 36 people and injured at least another 140.
Three attackers targeted one of the airport’s entry points and one reportedly fired a Kalashnikov.
Police fired shots to try to stop two of the attackers from reaching a security checkpoint, but the attackers reportedly blew themselves up.
“We have an increased security presence at the airport, and we are doing a few add things to heighten awareness,” Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) vice-president Don Ehrenholz says.
“We are doing everything that we believe is required by Transport Canada and a little bit more to ensure the safety and security of passengers and employees at YVR.”
He acknowledged that airports have increasingly become targets for terrorists.
The Istanbul attack comes more than three months after a March 22 attack in Brussels, Belgium, in which two separate suicide bombers exploded bombs that were hidden in large suitcases.