BAHRAIN

On Wednesday (07/12), a suspicious package was discovered at Manama Airport (BAH) after it had arrived on a flight from an unnamed airport in the UK via Dubai (DXB). The Interior Ministry initially reported that the package contained explosives, but later announced that it had contained objects that could be used to make an explosive device. No further details were released.


BANGLADESH

On Wednesday (07/12), the Commerce Minister announced that an “allied force” drawing resources from different law enforcement agencies will be formed to ensure security compliance at all of the nation’s airports. Currently there are four different law enforcement agencies involved in airport security. The new force will have overall responsibility for security. No further details were provided.


CHINA

On Thursday (08/12), it was reported that the former chief executive of Beijing Airport (PEK) was jailed for 12 years for corruption. Zhang Zhizhong had reportedly confessed to receiving $740,000 in bribes and illegal payments over a 13-year period. Authorities say that he had taken money in exchange for illegally awarding contracts and promises of employment at PEK. He was ordered to repay all the money and his assets were confiscated. His predecessor was executed two years ago for embezzling more than $10m of public funds.


INDIA

On Sunday (11/12), it was reported that two baggage handlers at Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL) were arrested in connection with the theft of credit and debit cards from Air India passenger baggage. The two loaders admitted they used a sharp-pointed nail to split open the zips of checked baggage, remove valuables and then zip the bag back up, leaving no evidence of the theft.


NEW ZEALAND

On Wednesday (07/12), a note claiming that there was a bomb on board an Air New Zealand flight operating between Wellington (WLG) and Dunedin (DUD) was discovered in a female toilet at WLG. The aircraft landed safely at DUD, and was searched by Police, but nothing unusual was found. The Chief Executive of DUD said that the response to the incident by both Air New Zealand and the Police was a "shambles" that resulted in "absolute total confusion", with the airport and passengers caught in the middle. John McCall said the disruption suffered by arriving and departing pax was excessive. The local Police Commander defended decisions made on the night, saying in an increasingly security-conscious world they took seriously a note left in an airport threatening to blow up a plane, although he admitted that communication could have been better and said he intended to make sure systems were improved.


UNITED KINGDOM

On Monday (05/12), it was reported that an employee of a catering company at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) was sent to prison for 12 months for theft of goods valued at more than £16000. The worker was responsible for stocking aircraft duty free trollies but instead helped himself to the goods prior to loading the boxes onto the flight. Along with another man, he smuggled jewelry, perfume and watches off the airport and sold some of the items in a nearby pub.


UNITED STATES

On Sunday (04/12), a note that mentioned a bomb was discovered in a bathroom on board a Virgin Atlantic flight operating between London Heathrow (LHR) and Boston (BOS). The aircraft landed safely at BOS, where it was searched by Mass State Police. All baggage was reverse screened. Nothing unusual was found.


On Sunday (04/12), a Sikh male in his mid-50s was stabbed near the security screening area at Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT). The Indian victim, wearing a turban and long beard, was preparing to enter the TSA screening area with his interpreter, when he was stabbed in the torso by a white male. The suspect ran from the airport but was arrested by airport police officers nearby. A Police spokesman later said that the incident was not being treated as a hate crime.


On Monday (05/12), it was reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a complaint that the Los Angeles Police Department misappropriated millions of dollars it was paid for providing Policing services at Los Angeles Airport (LAX). It is alleged that the LAPD imposes exorbitant fees for posting between 50 and 150 officers to LAX, where they share law enforcement duties with the LAWA Police Department. The complaint was filed by the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association, which represents more than 400 officers from the LAWA PD. The complaint further alleges that LAPD officers have been routinely withdrawn from the airport for other assignments without reimbursing the operators of LAX. Supporters of the LAPD side claim that the force is needed at LAX because of its specialist response capability, such as the Bomb Squad.


TSA Weekly Stats (28th Nov - 4th Dec 2011)

4 artfully concealed prohibited items found at checkpoints

27 firearms found at checkpoints

1 pax were arrested after investigations of suspicious behavior or fraudulent travel documents


AND FINALLY!

Pax on a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight panicked when 80 live rats escaped from a passenger's rucksack. It happened on a flight to Tabuk Airport (TUU) in northwest Saudi Arabia. The plane was flying at a height of 25,000ft when the rats were spotted running around the floor. The captain warned ground crews at Tabuk airport who called in specialist teams to deal with the rodents. It wasn't until the plane landed that it was discovered the rats had been brought on to the plane by a passenger. The man admitted he had 80 live rats in a leather rucksack which had somehow managed to escape during the flight. The passenger was handed over to security authorities to continue the investigation.