Yesterdays events at East Midlands Airport (Nottingham/Derby), Philadelphia International and Newark show the one problem with screening and security theatre: the distinct lightness that cargo screening suffers, and only when people talk does it come to light.
The packages that were heading to Chicago had packages allegedly originating from the Yemen, and various threat points have been identified:
- A suspect package found at Dubai
- A suspect package found at East Midlands Airport, UK
- Three cargo planes owned by UPS searched in Newark and Philadelphia
- US fighter jets escorted Emirates flight 201 from Dubai into New York, with officials saying the action was being taken “out of an abundance of caution” because cargo from Yemen was on board
- Suspect package from Yemen examined on a delivery lorry in New York
- BA flight from London to New York met by authorities amid reports of search of its cargo
That’s a catalogue and a half of events.
Of course, President Obama has said
“… that new aviation security measures were being taken in light of the alert by the Department of Homeland Security, “including additional screening”.”
Oh great. With another threat comes more security, and normally aimed at the passenger, not the cargo end where these threats eminated from.
Expect more changes ahead in the name of security for seemingly little benefit….
