Spotlight on air travel searches in wake of terror attack

The recent high-profile terror attack on a Detroit-bound transatlantic flight has once again brought the question of airport security checks into the spotlight. The alleged attempt at blowing up the plane has left many wondering just what measures are being taken.

Following the incident the US issued a worldwide request for assistance from global airports to ramp up security checks for all US-bound flights. In the UK, visa and passport checks have been introduced for any citizen from outside the EU as they both enter and leave Britain, although these steps are part of the government’s ongoing crackdown on terrorism and illegal immigration. The Detroit incident is sure to add fuel to the fire of the immigration debate.

The UK has also its famed £1.2 billion electronic watchlist which contains the names of any suspected passengers of interest, nominally criminals or citizens with ties to suspected terrorist groups. The checklist sends alerts to police and immigration staff at the time of check-in for any passenger on the list.

Finger printing with comparisons to EU countries and Australia and Canada are already in effect with the US to follow shortly while the ID card system for all foreign nationals will be rolled out in full in early 2010.

In addition to body scans and liquid restrictions the UK is trumpeting the potential success of its e-Borders scheme whilst continuing the stated aim of introducing Biometric passports for all travellers wherever possible.