British Airways has launched an attack on the government in respect of the security enforcements in place across the UK’s airport network.  The airline’s comments precede by 48 hours a summit meeting to be chaired by Ruth Kelly – the Transport Secretary.

The Chairman of British Airways, Martin Broughton, attributed the UK’s current restriction - limiting passengers to a single piece of hand luggage - to the problems experienced at London Heathrow Airport. Furthermore, adamant that there was “no security justification” on which the restriction was based, he went on to highlight a whole catalogue of related problems.

Addressing BA’s shareholders at the company’s AGM, he stated that: "We recognise that security is the top issue for passengers, given the current threat from terrorist activity. But to be effective, security has to be credible. Current UK security requirements are no longer credible."

According to Mr Broughton, the single-bag rule marks the UK out from other European nations – where no such limitation is in force. The consequent reaction among passengers, he stated, was one of irritancy. Developing the idea further, he continued: “(the restriction) makes London an unattractive place, particularly for transit passengers. It needs to be changed as soon as possible."

One BA shareholder in particular highlighted, at the meeting, the fact that, currently, responsibility for financing the additional airport security rests with the airlines themselves. He – Frank Smith – stressed that the imminent summit meeting should be seen as an opportunity for BA executives to make a stand; urging for some “oomph”, as opposed to them acting as “lambs to the slaughter”. In Mr Broughton’s reaction to this, he confirmed that the “message” had been “received and understood”. 

Airports International will cover any further updates on this situation as they become known.

Source – Airport International Newsdesk

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