Airport security shakeup after breaches

A formal security warning has been issued to airlines and airports by the Civil Aviation Authority in the wake of two security breaches in as many days. It follows the alleged attempted hijacking of an Eagle Air flight on Friday and a reporter sneaking an imitation pistol on to a flight to Hawkes Bay the next day.

Asha Ali Abdille from Blenheim was later charged with attempted hijacking, wounding, and injuring with intent to injure. She allegedly pulled out a knife on a flight from Blenheim to Christchurch and demanded to be taken to Australia. A scuffle developed during which the pilot, co-pilot and a passenger were injured. And yesterday a Sunday News reporter said he was able to carry a 20cm kitchen knife and a toy firearm in his luggage on an Air New Zealand flight to Napier from Auckland.

The Civil Aviation Authority condemned the stunt as "irresponsible and illegal".