UK airports on Brussels-style terror attack warning

LONDON: Security experts in Britain have warned travellers against Brussels-style terror attacks at the country's airports, including the busy Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, as they called for stepping up security measures at the entry to terminals.

Over 10 people were killed and many seriously injured after suicide bombers blew themselves up at Zaventem airport in Brussels on March 22.

"The events in Brussels have served to remind us that public area is vulnerable and there is more work to maximise airport security.

"Airports internationally have that vulnerability and struggle to cope with the challenge," aviation expert Matthew Finn, managing director of consultancy firm Augmentiq, told 'Daily Star'.

More than the risk of flying, security experts now believe the real danger to travellers is before they even get to check-in.

They have warned travellers against Brussels-style terror attacks in the country, home to the busy Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports.

Defence and aviation consultant Paul Edwards, managing director of Strategic Effect, said: "Attacks against airports aren't new but the terrorists' MO (modus operandi) in Brussels was new to Europe. They defeated security because they didn't go through security.

"Terrorist groups have a habit of repeating successful methods. The security of check-in areas needs to be improved and needs to be extended to include entry to terminals."

Edwards called on British airports to at least check that people have a passport and plane ticket when they attempt to enter terminal buildings.

He also advocated luggage and body scans at the entrance.

Zaventem airport has introduced these measures when it reopened yesterday.