Airlines oppose passenger screening

Airlines are opposed to screening passengers just before they enter an airport, with such steps — widely proposed after the March 22 bombings in Brussels — likely to increase waiting times and prove ineffective in preventing attacks, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said at its annual conference in Dublin yesterday.

Carriers instead favour the streamlining of security through a risk-based approach and wider adoption of more modern systems including self-service technology that would raise the hurdles facing would-be terrorists, said IATA chief Tony Tyler.

The trade body takes the view that curbside screening would not only lengthen lines and expose travellers to inclement weather outside the terminal, but also create large crowds that could themselves become the target of attacks.