Significant delays are frustrating hundreds of passenger trying to pass through airports around Australia this morning following increased security measures following the unravelling of an alleged terror plot to bring down a plane over the weekend.
Airports are recommending arriving 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
Multiple sources are reporting wait times as long as 90 minutes.
“As the measures place an additional burden on the screening system, it may take a little longer than usual to get through the process,” Melbourne airport has said in a statement.
“We encourage all passengers to arrive early today due to additional security measures in place. We appreciate your patience,” Tweeted Sydney Airport.
Brisbane Airport recommends arriving 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight, “Due to increased security measures at major Australian airports, passengers should arrive at BNE 2 hours prior to flight departure.”
“I want to thank the travelling public for their forbearance, having to get to the airport earlier and wait longer to get through security,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said this morning.
“(Security measures) will be required for as long as the threat is assessed as requiring them.”
Speaking to the Nine Network, Border Security Minister Peter Dutton asked everyone for patience with the new two-hour check-ins for domestic flights.
“If you don’t need to go inside the airport through the security section, then please don’t,” he said.
“I want to put a call out this morning … just to reinforce those times. Three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights.”
Meanwhile, an aviation security expert has warned the majority of airport workers across Australia have not been given the appropriate training to effectively handle a terrorist attack.
Speaking to ABC Dr John Coyne, head of border security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, explained how tricky it was anticipating new ways terrorists could attack airlines.
While banning carry-on all together had been discussed in the wake of 9/11, he doesn’t believe restriction is the answer.
“I think improving search capability and improving search process — so improving x-ray machines, swipes for explosive residue,” he said.
“It is about making sure intelligence information is linked to those responsible for physical security, the operators.
“They’ve got to get lucky once – you’ve got to be lucky all the time.”
