Airline operators want better airport security

By Okechukwu Nnodim

April 2, 2010 04:27AM

Next News

Airline operators in the country, yesterday, described the incident, in which a taxi driver crashed into an aeroplane, as an “act of terrorism” and called on the federal government to improve security at all airports in the country.

On Wednesday, 95 passengers onboard an Arik Air Boeing 737 700 aircraft at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, were left scrambling for their lives after the driver of a registered taxi cab intentionally crashed his car into their aircraft.

The operators, under their umbrella union, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), disclosed that Wednesday’s security breach should not be taken lightly as is being reported by the aviation security personnel at the airport.

“To imagine that a driver who does not work at an airport penetrates up to the point of hitting a plane that is about to takeoff is highly unbelievable and indicates a serious security breach at that airport,” said Mohammed Tukur, assistant secretary general AON, during a briefing at the presidential wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.

Calling on the government and other security agencies to assist aviation security personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to get to the root of the situation, Mr. Tukur said the incident is “dangerous” to the growth of airlines.

“We want the federal government and relevant security outfits to investigate this matter beyond what they (aviation security) are saying that the driver is a madman,” he said.

“We keep complaining that the airports authority is not serious about safety and security of lives and this was displayed yesterday at Calabar international airport.”

Akin Olukuknle, general manager public affairs FAAN, disclosed that the driver of the cab was on top speed and could not be stopped by security operatives at the airport.

“The guy was on top speed and he slammed into the first and second barriers guarded by airforce men at the airport,” he said.

Additional security

Meanwhile, the airline operators requested an increase in security across airports in the country, adding that Calabar incident was targeted at an expensive aircraft owned by only a few carriers in the country.

“If the government needs to provide additional security personnel at the airport, then so be it, for it is very important at this time,” said Tukur.

“The Boeing 737 700 aircraft in question which is being parked right now because of the damages done it by that taxi can buy ten passenger MD 83 planes.”