Long queues could be prime terror target: Aussie airports

CANBERRA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) — Bosses of Australian airports have expressed concerns that long check-in queues could be a prime target for terrorists.
Under proposed new laws, anyone flying domestically in Australia will be required to present identification before checking-in for a flight, a move that will drastically increase the length of airport queues.
Airports would be required to install expensive technology that scans official forms of identification such as driver’s licenses and passports but experts have warned it would be ineffective at stopping potential terrorists who are not already on a watch list.
There are also concerns that not all passengers will be carrying identification with them when flying.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and other government representatives due to take place in the coming days, airport chiefs will express concerns that the new laws will cause delays and long queues at check-in counters which could be easy targets for terrorists.
They will instead push the government to install state-of-the-art technology that will ensure luggage is safe before it is allowed on a plane.
It comes after the U.S. Transportation Security Administration announced a review into cargo flight security after components for a bomb were shipped from Turkey to Sydney on a commercial flight.
Darren Chester, Australia’s transport minister, said that Australian authorities would work with international security agencies to review and manage aviation safety.
“The Office of Transport Security (OTS) works with overseas airports and airlines to address adverse findings and security gaps where necessary,” Chester told Australian media on Monday.
He said that Australia had imposed air cargo restrictions on cargo from Syria, Egypt, Bangladesh, Yemen and Somalia since 2015.  Enditem