Airport Chaos Could Ensue from New Passport Checks
A warning was yesterday issued to holidaymakers that summer travel chaos could well ensue from the Government's new passport control system, as initial reports of significant delays begin to emerge from several of the UK's airports. Hi-tech scanning devices, the advent of which has been instigated by the recently-formed Border and Immigration Agency (BIA), effectively double the length of time needed to assess inbound passengers.
The new technology utilises lasers to perform a passport scan. Its advent has been demanded by the new generation of passports; biometric in nature, and featuring computer-embedded data (which acts against forgeries) and security holograms. While older passports are still subject to the older methods of scanning, some are put through additional checks - with individual identities confirmed by computer-based assessment.
The new system has caused much disruption at London Stansted Airport; this, plus reports of similar problems at London Luton Airport, has led to airlines fearing the implications of more widespread use - due to happen within the next few months. Stansted was yesterday a scene of intense business; its arrivals hall frequently filled to capacity. This led to, at times, local police threatening to intervene; claiming that public order offences relating to overcrowding were in breach.
Yesterday, crisis talks regarding the matter were held between BAA's Chief Executive Stephen Nelson and Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander, designed to avert a summer of chaos, echoing that of previous years.
It is anticipated that London's airports will receive in excess of 250,000 arrivals per day in the weeks to come.
Speaking regarding the matter last night, a spokesman from BAA stated: "We have spent over£20 million, recruited another 1,400 security staff and put another 21 checkpoints in place to handle passengers as they leave. But it is not our job to ensure their smooth entry into the country, that is down to the Border and Immigration Agency to provide enough staff."
The prospect of further disruption coincides with the travel industry's attempts to adapt to tighter security imposed on outbound passengers; now additionally conflated with the delays to come from inbound arrivals.
The Immigration Service Union's Vice-Chairman, John Tincey, comments on the situation, stating: "There is going to be chaos in the summer."
Mr Tincey adds: "It used to take between three to four seconds to process a passenger. Now you are looking at eight to 10 seconds, so it has more than doubled. At busy times this makes the situation impossible."
"Stansted is growing very quickly and our staffing was struggling to keep up even before the regime changed. Gatwick, Luton and Birmingham have also been badly hit because of the growth in low-cost airlines and they are all due to get this equipment soon."
Additional input is provided by Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary, who states: "This country is in danger of being taken over by 'secureocrats' who seem intent on bringing airports to a grinding halt. These are the same people who came up with the ridiculous idea that stopping people travelling with toothpaste and eye make-up would make us safer last year."
Although the BIA is adamant that it has sufficient levels of staff to cope, the prospect of delayed flight schedules will result in significant delays, given the additional seconds-per passenger ratio that this new passport system demands.
A spokesman from the firm details this further, stating: "The number of border control staff is at an all time high. While allowing most passengers into the UK quickly, thorough checks are necessary to turn away criminals, prevent illegal immigration and protect the public. We make no apology. New biometric technology is being rolled out so trusted travellers can pass through border control more quickly."
"We ensure that there are sufficient numbers of staff on duty, based on published flight schedules and the number of anticipated passengers. However, there are times when flight arrivals vary from their schedules which causes 'bunching' of passengers at immigration controls."
Elsewhere in the world, the reigns of security are being ever-tightened. At Spain's airports, for example, airlines are now obliged to obtain additional information regarding those due to fly, prior to take-off. Moreover, in America, plans are afoot to introduce a new wave of security checks; these potentially including fingerprint analysis for both departing and arriving passengers.
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Source - Airport International Newsdesk
