The recent attack on Glasgow Airport has reignited the debate about airport security, with some commentators drawing attention to the fact that contract guards on “front-line” duty at airports are often no better paid than cleaners.Among increased security measures being suggested are establishing perimeter checkpoints, creating greater space between vehicles and buildings (stand off) and barrier-controlled access to drop-off zones.
Of particular vulnerability is the check-in and departures zone, where inefficient passenger management systems at UK airports frequently compel economy class travellers to form in back-to-back queues, creating an easy target for a pedestrian suicide bomber. Furthermore, UK airports, unlike many airports in the rest of the world, have no means of controlling pedestrian access into terminals.
