Security at Heathrow Airport raised after journalist breaches secure area

Airline Industry Information, Dec 3, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Security at London's Heathrow Airport has been increased after Sky News reported that one of its journalists had managed to wander around secure areas freely and gained access to areas near aircraft.

The British Airports Authority (BAA), which operates Heathrow, and British Airways, the airline with the biggest presence at the airport, said that an investigation has been launched. The report of the Sky News television channel said that its undercover reporter had managed to gain access to secure areas by posing as a cleaner with a broom and was only challenged once by security staff.

BAA said that it was constantly seeking ways to improve security and remains alert to any gaps that may appear, and that the report revealed weaknesses in that area of the airport and improvements have been made. The journalist also claims to have entered an unlocked British Airways office and found airline security manuals and removed a high visibility vest for use on the tarmac, reports The Associated Press.

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