Qantas attacks Auckland Airport security

By FRAN O'SULLIVAN, assistant editor

Qantas chairwoman Margaret Jackson has criticised security measures at Auckland Airport, saying it is a weak link in terms of global terrorism.

Ms Jackson said it did not meet international security protocols requiring separate arrival and departure halls.

The airport - which has a Government exemption from the rules - is understood to have drawn up plans for separating inward and outward passengers. But they are not expected to be implemented for 12 to 18 months.

Ms Jackson said the matter was urgent.

Auckland Airport's security procedures came under the spotlight during a session on the formation of a common border between Australia and New Zealand at a transtasman summit in Wellington.

An Australian businessman told the Herald that "people from all of these potentially failed states in the Pacific come in and mix in the same corridor with those going out ... it opens the way for terrorists to make a bag switch if no one is looking".

Airport and security chiefs rejected the claims of a weak terrorist link.

Auckland Airport chief executive Don Huse said the measures in place meant there was no risk to travellers, to New Zealand or to destinations the airport served.

"We meet all the requirements of aviation security," said Mr Huse.

Plans have been developed to build a second level to separate incoming and outbound passengers.

In the meantime, said Mr Huse, secondary screening meant passengers were security-checked after they had mixed with others heading in a different direction.

"The security measures ensure there is absolutely no risk."

Mark Everitt, general manager of the New Zealand Aviation Security Service, described Ms Jackson's comment as "off the wall".

"Cross-flow passenger mix happens at Tom Bradley Airport in Los Angeles," he said. "Yes, it is an issue, but it's covered. It's been identified and is being changed.

"All airports are struggling with security demands post-September 11 and we are in compliance with all international rules."

Ms Jackson, who was also Australian chairwoman for the inaugural Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum, joined New Zealand co-chairman Kerry McDonald in strongly advocating the abolition of passport controls to spur more efficient movement of people between the two nations.

Tourism experts present estimated the move would fuel growth in passenger levels by about 20 per cent - worth an extra $1 billion a year to the New Zealand economy.

The two Foreign Ministers, Phil Goff and Alexander Downer, welcomed the proposal but said there were some big issues to iron out, which could take years, before Australians and New Zealanders could "fly domestic" to each other's countries.

Among the thorny issues on which the two Governments would need to agree were common procedures for customs, immigration, quarantine and biosecurity measures and aviation security.

- additional reporting: Stuart Dye