UK airport introduces flights without security checks for first time in almost 50 years
The IndependentSign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. For the first time in nearly half a century, a scheduled flight took off from an airport on the British mainland without the usual security checks for passengers or their possessions. They continue to place safety and security at the forefront of every passenger’s journey, whilst offering facilitation benefits in most cases.” But the Prospect union, which publicised the abolition of security at Campbeltown and two island airports, claims the move makes a terrorist attack "far more likely", pointing out that flight paths into Glasgow pass close to nuclear power facilities, an oil terminal and Ministry of Defence establishments. “My view, and my union’s view, is that there should have been a public consultation with users, the public and the staff about the change before it was made, rather than it being done behind closed doors with the company and ministers.” Loganair’s managing director, Jonathan Hinkles, disagreed, rejecting the concept of what he called a “one-size fits all approach to airline security”. Jonathan Hinkles of Loganair said the arithmetic made it sensible to conduct checks at Glasgow, not Campbeltown: “Less than one in 10 of our customers are taking an onward connecting flight.” As Claire Ross, one of the passengers, left the aircraft, she pronounced herself happy with the new regime: “Seemed fine to me.
History of this topic
Glasgow airport open again after suspicious package triggered lockdown
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Glasgow airport temporarily closed for ‘security alert’ involving easyJet flight
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Security searches at three Scottish airports to end – but union warns plan places a nuclear power station at risk
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