Airlines India, Indian Airlines

Security at the New Zealand’s international airports is to be increased over concerns that aircraft may be vulnerable to hijacking or sabotage by airport workers.

Cabinet is to consider a law change that will require some airport workers to be electronically screened before they can access the tarmac. It follows a security standard introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Minister for Transport Safety, Harry Duynhoven, says aviation security is an important issue and New Zealand needs to meet the new standard.

However, the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union, which represents some airport workers, says those that can access aircraft already have to undergo stringent background checks.

International audit

The standard of New Zealand’s aviation security is also to come under international scrutiny.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation will come to New Zealand in September to carry out its first security audit of this country’s airports and airlines.

An assessment of potential security weaknesses involving the Cook Strait ferry services, is also to be carried out by a special counter-terrorism team set up by the Ministry of Transport.

International standards require ports and ships to undertake security risk assessments, as well as giving police greater powers in the event of a terror attack. The ferries were exempted from the international security standards introduced in 2004.