New Zealand: Hundreds of airport workers, contractors getting airside access not screened for weapons, explosives - audit

Newshub can reveal a major audit by an overseas regulator has found serious failures with aviation security at all of New Zealand's international airports. Up until now, hundreds of airport workers, contractors, and visitors getting airside access haven't been screened for weapons or explosives and airports are now scrambling to boost security. "The failures we have been told about are very significant. Basically, no non-flying passengers or crew are screened," said Captain Andrew Ridling, president of the New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown international airports have failed to meet international standards, set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). It follows a visit by ICAO to New Zealand. Newshub understands the concerns arise from a fear that workers could access the tarmac unchecked, leaving planes vulnerable to terrorism or smuggling operations. The Civil Aviation Authority said it's acting on the issues. "So we are implementing and making improvements in terms of some of the gaps that we identified," said Mike Hill, deputy chief executive of aviation security and infrastructure at CAA. Air New Zealand refused to answer questions. But a memo from Air NZ, obtained by Newshub, revealed sudden changes to security as a result of the failures. <br/>