AFGHANISTAN

On Thursday (19/01), a suicide bomber in a car detonated his device at an access point at Kandahar Airport (KDH). At least seven civilians were killed. The checkpoint is usually crowded with vehicles queuing to get access to the facility, which is also a security force base.


COLOMBIA

On Thursday (19/01), it was reported that a TACA ERJ190, operating between San Jose (SJO) in Costa Rica and Medellin (MDE) was forced to declare an inflight emergency as a result of a disruptive passenger event. The incident began when a male pax attempted to force his way into the cockpit shortly after the aircraft began it’s descent into MDE. He was restrained by passengers and crew. The man was arrested by Police and was later detained for psychiatric evaluation.


ISRAEL

On Monday (16/01), it was reported that the website of the national carrier El-Al was one of three commercial sites targeted by hackers. Flight operations were not affected, but LY warned that there could be disruptions to its online activity because of precautions to protect its web site. A man claiming responsibility for the attack warned that he would continue to strike key Israeli websites until the government apologises for what he called ‘their genocide in Palestine and Gaza’.


KYRGYZSTAN

On Tuesday (17/01), it was reported that a group of unidentified teenagers engaged in an exchange of small arms fire at Osh Airport (OSS). The incident led to rumours that the shooting was related to an assassination attempt on the airport director; but this was later denied by the Transport and Communications Ministry. There were no reports of casualties.


SOUTH AFRICA

On Wednesday (18/01), it was reported that four Police Officers, including a Colonel, at Johannesburg Tambo Airport (JNB) were arrested in connection with the extortion of money from a passenger. The incident began when a Ghanaian pax was asked to produce his documents when he was stopped by Police in the arrivals hall. The Officers told him that he needed a letter of invitation to South Africa, then demanded money from him, threatening him with deportation if he failed to pay. He paid the officers, but later reported the matter to the Police. The four officers have been charged and bailed to court.


UNITED KINGDOM

On Wednesday (18/01), a Mexican national who stole baggage from passengers at London Gatwick (LGW) and Heathrow (LHR) Airports was sent to prison for 12 months. He was arrested after he was seen on CCTV stealing a rucksack from a distracted pax at LGW. He removed valuables from the bag, and dumped it under some nearby seating. He was given a 12 month concurrent sentence for a similar offence at LHR.


UNITED STATES

On Monday (16/01), it was reported that TSA screeners at least 100 airports will be tested for possible exposure to radiation from advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanners. A spokesman said that the agency will post all results to the TSA Web site. Th.e agency said that it has no plans to test pax or equipment.


On Wednesday (18/01), Police at Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) arrested a 65-year-old woman on board a departing aircraft after it was revealed that she had passed through TSA screening with a .38 revolver in her cabin baggage. The woman passed through primary screening, but failed to remain in the area for a secondary search. She boarded her flight which taxied from the gate, before being required to return to stand. A total of 10 flights were delayed as a result of the incident. The woman was later charged with felony possession of a firearm.


On Thursday (19/01), it was reported that a TSA screener at Miami Airport (MIA) was arrested after an iPad he is accused of stealing was traced to a Craigslist sale. The screener had earlier been seen placing items stolen from passenger baggage inside a hidden pocket in his work jacket. A Police spokesman said that the screener’s secret pocket, which is not part of his uniform, was large enough to conceal a device as big as a laptop. His wife admitted that she and her husband had been selling items stolen from baggage on Craigslist for three years. The screener and his wife were later charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property.


TSA Weekly Stats (9th - 15th Jan 2012)

4 artfully concealed prohibited items found at checkpoints

17 firearms found at checkpoints

0 pax were arrested after investigations of suspicious behavior or fraudulent travel document


AND FINALLY!

Passengers on a British Airways flight operating between Miami and London became alarmed when cabin crew played a recorded message stating that the aircraft was going down and they should brace themselves for an emergency water landing. Once the error was realised, a flight attendant apologised saying the message was played in error.