NZ air security review in focus after Egypt crash

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said officials were midway through the domestic security assessment. Photo / Greg Bowker

Tougher measures at domestic airports likely after bomb theory floated.

Aviation security is likely to be tightened following a review that's been given impetus by the apparent bombing of a Russian plane in Egypt.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said officials were midway through the domestic security assessment when the plane crashed.

"I wouldn't want to pre-empt where we get to but I think additional safeguards in security measures at our more significant airports is a likely scenario," he said.

Workers who had access to aircraft were now vetted by the Security Intelligence Service and had to carry official identification. "There are some questions about whether we can do even more in that regard."

Tougher measures could result in higher security levies for passengers.

Last month, all 224 passengers and crew on Metrojet flight 9268 were killed when it crashed in the Sinai Peninsula just after taking off from Sharm el-Sheikh for St Petersburg.

The cause of the crash has not yet been finally determined but a bomb is suspected. Egyptian police are reportedly exploring a new theory that hotel staff may have planted it in tourists' luggage. Bag screening at Sharm el-Sheikh airport has also been reported as being lax.

Mr Bridges said the downing of the plane was "incredibly troubling" and a reminder of the risks.

"While New Zealand's remote, we are not immune and the review will potentially result in some changes to provide some additional assurance around security."

The Ministry of Transport oversees the Civil Aviation Authority, whose agency Avsec is responsible for airport security. Avsec screens passengers and their carry-on bags and checked baggage for all aircraft over 90 seats - effectively jet aircraft on the main routes.

A ministry spokeswoman said domestic aviation security was last reviewed in 2009.

"The work will consider any current or emerging threats or system vulnerabilities, and assess the risk levels for these. This work will inform the ministry's view on whether to recommend any refinements to existing domestic aviation security."

Mr Bridges said he expected the review to be finished in the first quarter of next year.