Outdated passes expose airport security loopholes

Kolkata: The security at the airport has been beefed up following intelligence alert on infiltration of terrorists and possible attempts to hijack flights. However, a chink has appeared in the airport's armour with security agencies failing to renew the entry passes of 1,200-odd contractual employees who work in the airport.
With the Airports Authority of India and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in the midst of rolling out the online pass processing system, the passes that expired on July 31 have been extended only for a month. An intelligence agency official said use of passes beyond the expiry date at a high security zone like the airport amounted to security threat.
Airport director BP Sharma, however, denied that the delay in issue of fresh passes was a security hazard. "The online pass processing system is currently in trial phase and will be streamlined by this month-end. Once functional, agencies that provide staff will be able to apply online. We are currently collecting the data and photographs of the staffers. Once this is done, passes will be prepared and sent to BCAS for online approval. The entire process will be expedited," Sharma said.
15/08/12 Times of India

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Categories: airports Aug 2012