Success in the detection of explosives at Charleroi and Brussels airports is patchy Francophone broadcaster RTBF reports citing sources at both airports. At Charleroi, for instance, security staff did not notice about half the dummy explosives used during checks in February. The results at Brussels Airport are no better, the RTBF insists.
Home News
‘50% of dummy explosives remain undetected at Charleroi Airport’, concerns about Brussels too
Colin Clapson
Published:
To expose shortcomings in the detection of explosives, there are regular security checks at Charleroi and Brussels airports. In February, for instance, according to RTBF sources, there were 2 checks in Charleroi in which explosive powder was hidden in hold luggage as a test. The checks are used to see whether staff are able to detect the materials.
In the case of the first check, airport security had not been informed. Then, more than half of the 10 bags of powder remained undetected. The second time, staff had been alerted to the operation. Security personnel detected slightly more than half of the test explosive powders used.
Stricter controls have been brought in
‘As happens regularly at all European airports, our security was recently inspected in accordance with the law,’ a spokesperson for Charleroi Airport told the RTBF. ‘This inspection revealed a number of concerns. Action to straighten out the situation is currently being taken.’
The office of the Walloon airports minister confirmed that measures had been taken: instead of the usual 10 per cent, the airport was now checking 25 per cent of checked-in suitcases.
‘As soon as the results of the inspection came to light, the minister demanded that action to straighten out the situation should be taken immediately’.
The airport could also face an economic impact if there are doubts about security: airlines may choose to stay away because of the security risks to their passengers.
Are staff the problem?
Several sources RTBF spoke with say security firm G4S is partly responsible for the disappointing results. That company is employed by Charleroi Airport. G4S staff are said not to be properly trained and the number of security staff may not be in proportion to the ever-increasing number of passengers.
The airport itself denies that the results have anything to do with a lack of staff or cuts. G4S stresses that the safety of passengers and staff at Charleroi Airport remains the absolute priority.
In addition, an official source told RTBF that the procedure for detecting explosives has recently changed, making it more difficult for security staff to identify explosive materials.
How about Brussels Airport?
According to the RTBF, a similar operation took place at Brussels Airport last Tuesday. There, the results were apparently no better than at Charleroi.
‘We do not generally comment on security issues, given their confidential nature’ a spokesperson said.
Brussels Airport is regularly subjected to security checks and audits by the competent Belgian and European authorities,’ Brussels Airport noted in its response.
‘Should areas for improvement be identified during these checks, we will take the necessary measures in full cooperation with the competent authorities, as safety and security are top priorities for Brussels Airport.’