The 9/11 events have been a wake up call to governments all around the world. Till then, security measures at airports were seen as adequate. But reality has proven them wrong, and airports all over the world have been beefing up their security measures.
Airports have always been a target for terrorists and other criminals. Due to the sheer large number of people that go through airports everyday, coupled with the possibilities with a hijacked air craft, terrorists are attracted to use airports as their home base.
What is Airport security?
The procedures used to prevent crime in airports and airplanes are collectively known as airport security. The main aims of airport security are prevention of attacks on airports and airplanes, prevention of dangerous materials being carried into airports and airplanes and primarily to ensure the safety and security of passengers.
Defense factors
The airport security has a defense mechanism of trying to prevent potential terrorists, suicide bombers or hijackers from entering the airport premises with their explosives and weapons. Luggage is scrutinized scrupulously. About 800 million people travel by air annually, and more than 700 million bags and other luggage are screened to detect potentially dangerous items.
Metal detectors, sniffer dogs, random body frisking are all used to check passengers. The airports mostly have tall fences and strong barriers that enclose the entire premises. Areas like fuel depots which are extra sensitive is given more security attention. All entry and exit gates are manned by security as well as surveillance cameras.
To avoid the danger from various types of vehicle bombs, several steps have been taken. If a vehicle carrying a bomb is driven into the airport, the damage would be enormous, as also the loss of lives. Strong obstructions made of concrete are places to prevent something like this. Vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain point in the airport. Loading zones are also restricted for vehicles.
Identification and Biometrics
Governments are in possession of certain lists of people who might be terrorists. Therefore conformation of identity of passengers is very important. For this purpose, identity proof is asked for, and for international travelers, passport is a must to be shown.
Besides this, biometrics is used for further checking. Finger print checks and scans of the retina are done using hi-end gadgets. Facial patterns are also observed.
Screening before issuing tickets
The United States and some other countries have a system in place where people are asked to provide more details about themselves at the time of booking tickets. Passengers are then assesses in terms of risk, and persons found in the high risk category undergo further screening.
Dos and don’ts on your side
Do not receive any article or object from any person. Do not lose sight of your luggage before checking in. This is because a common terrorist tactic is to pass on objects which could be an explosive to unsuspecting public.
Do not believe in false rumors and panic, and do not spread them. The primary objective of a terrorist is to spread terror, and he would be successful at this, if people are afraid.
