Aviation security violations increase

HA NOI (VNS)— The National Civil Aviation Security Committee has reported 145 aviation security violations during the past six months, showing a sharp year-on-year rise of 96 per cent.

During the period, 173 cases relating to flight safety were also reported, heard a meeting held on Monday to review the committee’s operations.

Common violations included passengers carrying weapons or dangerous items and using fake documents to board flights.

Major causes behind the spike in violations include a lack of infrastructure, security equipment and security forces as well as outdated security devices and lack of professional skills.

At the meeting, participates agreed that “gaps” in aviation security, particularly in co-operation between management agencies and carriers, and a lack of awareness by passengers were enabling the increases.

Deputy Head of the Ministry of Public Security’s Security General Department No 2 Trinh Van Thong stressed that the shortfalls stemmed from management both inside and outside the airport.

Thong said that camera systems used to supervise airports were not secure while airport staff and crew were not tightening security. Luggage was still going missing, he added.

It was necessary to increase co-operation among customs, the aviation sector and police to tighten aviation security, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai said relevant agencies needed to analyse the violations and develop solutions to stem the sharp increases. He also questioned the effectiveness of the industry’s management to crack down on customs and smuggling violations.

He suggested the sector help raise public awareness about aviation security regulations, tighten management processes, enforce manager responsibilities and strictly punish violations related to staff. He also called for regular examinations and improvements to the operation of airport emergency departments.

Regarding pressing issues of flight delay and cancellation, he challenged the industry to meet international standards as standard practice for the nation’s airlines and airports.

Transport Minister Dinh La Thang, who is also the Vice Chairman of the National Committee for Aviation Security, said it was essential to hand down stricter punishments to aviation security violators and even prosecute them in the case of serious infringements.

Source — VNS