Airports crippled by security bill

HE aviation industry says it cannot meet the spiralling cost of securing UK airports against terror threats.

The industry claims security costs have risen by 150 per cent since new measures were brought in following the September 11 attacks in 2001.

The British Air Transport Association said it was a problem for the entire industry.

A spokesman told the BBC: “We want high security standards, implemented consistently across the world so that passengers are not confused or cynical about the processes as some are today.

“But we also expect a level playing field for our very competitive airline industry - and that means a change in approach to the funding of security.”

Airports cover all security costs themselves, but say this is simply not
sustainable.

Airports want the Government to contribute but say ministers insist the aviation industry must foot the bill.

Since 9/11, the Government has introduced restrictions on hand baggage, a ban on liquids on board and, more recently, measures to move vehicles further away from terminal buildings.

Geoff Muirhead, chief executive of Manchester Airport group, said it was not fair that the Government insisted on stringent security measures but did not help with funding.

He said the cost of increased security had wiped out all its profits.

Mr Muirhead said the group had spent an extra £20m on security since the London bombings on July 7 2005.

It has also had to pay for 200 more security staff, new equipment and extra for direct policing.