Should Hong Kong’s airport security be breached for VIPs, including the chief executive’s daughter?

Albert Cheng says airport rules to ensure safety must be adhered to at all times. If broken, as seems to be the case with the baggage of Leung Chun-ying’s daughter, an explanation is due

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Protesters hold up pictures of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying during a protest at Hong Kong International Airport last Sunday. Photo: AFP

Published: 5:30pm, 21 Apr 2016Updated: 5:30pm, 21 Apr 2016

According to the International Air Transport Association (Iata), the total number of passengers carried annually by the world’s airlines will hit 3.8 billion this year, a rise of more than 30 per cent over 2011. Given this large volume, security for air traffic cannot be underestimated. Since the September 11 terrorist attack, civil aviation security has been drastically tightened around the globe. Yet, incidents such as the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, and the suicide bombing in a departure hall at Brussels Airport, serve as vivid reminders that air safety is under constant threat.

As airlines and authorities continue to step up security measures, longer queues and other inconveniences have become inevitable for passengers. Customer complaints have been on the increase. Minor incidents are often blown out of proportion in the media. Such negative publicity has marred the reputation of Hong Kong as a civil aviation hub.

As Hong Kong’s banner carrier, Cathay Pacific bears the brunt of such grievances. Its frontline staff are under constant pressure from grumbling customers to bend the rules, and offer special treatment on matters ranging from late check-ins to overweight baggage.

Many cutting-edge gadgets were on show at a counterterrorism expo held this week in London, where transport security was a key focus following the terrorist attacks in Brussels last month. Photo: AFP

Woman evades three levels of Hong Kong airport security

Airlines and airport operators prefer to advertise their efficiency and quality of inflight service. They are less inclined to stress the importance of flight safety, lest they should scare away jittery travellers. That, however, does not mean they do not take security seriously. In fact, they have invested heavily to keep air travelling as safe as possible. For example, there are stringent rules on how long flight crew are permitted to work by law. Overtime is not allowed. Furthermore, if a mechanical fault is identified in a plane, all aircraft of the same model are likely to be grounded until the issue is resolved.

Security procedures at airports are as vital. Ground staff, security guards and other airport support crew are given clear guidelines.