AIRPORT SECURITY includes the techniques and methods used in an attempt to protect passengers, staff, aircraft, and airport property from malicious harm, crime, terrorism, and other threats. AVIATION SECURITY is a combination of measures and human and material resources in order to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. Unlawful interference could be acts of terrorism, sabotage, threat to life and property, communication of false threat, bombing, etc.
A large number of people – passengers and personnel – pass through airports every day, becoming potential targets for terrorism and other forms of crime in the process. Similarly, the high concentration of people as airline users increases the potential to use a hijacked airplane as a lethal weapon for terrorism activities (such as the infamous September 11 attacks). Airport security attempts to prevent such threats or potentially dangerous situations. To protect the airport from such events, reassure the traveling public of safety, and to protect the Contracting State and her people, the airport is divided into two areas:
🔹 Restricted area or airside e.g. screening, tarmac, arrival, etc.
🔹 Non-restricted or public area e.g. car park, departure, etc.
USE OF COLOUR CODES
In Nigerian airports for example, this permit as issued to affected airport users are generally known as On-Duty Card (ODC) with Colour Codings, Access Areas and authorized holders as follows:
- Yellow – Tarmac
- Green – Arrival
- Blue – Departure
- Purple – Contractors
- Red – All Area
- White – Concessionaires who stay at the landside.
In cases where an airport or airline personnel’s duty cuts across more than one area, the colours are combined for ease of access and work flow. Some of such colour combinations are:
- Blue/Yellow – Departure/Tarmac
- Green/Blue – Arrival/Departure
- Green/Yellow – Arrival/ Tarmac
OBLIGATIONS
🟢 Strictly personalized
🟢 Must be displayed conspicuously at the chest level
🟢 Must not be swapped with someone else
LOSS OF ACESS CARD/ODC (STEPS TO TAKE)
➡️ Report to the Supervisor/Management
➡️ Report to the Police and possibly swear to an affidavit
➡️ Get a Police Report
➡️ Re-apply to the Airport Management (attaching the affidavit for replacement)
WHY CONTROL ACCESS?
- To prevent act of sabotage
- To prevent hijack of an aircraft
- To prevent unauthorized person(s) from going into restricted areas
- To allow only authorized person(s) into restricted areas
- To have smooth movement of people
- To prevent crime and illegal entry
PRIVILEGES OF AN AIRPORT ACCESS CARD HOLDER
- Access to restricted areas
ODC holders may have access to areas that are off-limits to the general public, such as restricted areas, the airside, sensitive facilities, etc.
- Expedited security screening
ODC holders may be eligible for expedited security screening procedures, allowing them to bypass certain security checkpoints or undergo a streamlined screening process.
- Enhanced mobility within the airport
ODC holders may have the ability to move freely within the airport, including access to restricted areas, without being subject to the same restrictions as passengers.
- Specialized training and knowledge
ODC holders often receive specialized training and have knowledge of airport operations, security protocols, and emergency procedures, which can be beneficial for performing their duties. It is important to note that the specific privileges granted to an ODC holder may vary depending on the airport, the governing authority, and the individual’s specific role within the aviation industry. The privileges are typically designed to enable ODC holders to carry out their responsibilities effectively and ensure the safety and security of the airport and its operations.
REFERENCES
- The importance of Access Control in Airport Security, Cola Wang, May 8, 2023
- Key Features of Airport Access Control System, www.aviationgurus.com
- Airport Security, https://en.wikipedia.org
