20100104
ALLAFRICA

Johannesburg — SOUTH African passengers might find themselves subjected to full-body scanners at local airports as aviation authorities implement stricter security measures in reaction to the attempted Christmas Day terror attack on a US-bound flight.

This comes after British airport operator BAA's confirmation, also yesterday, that it would move quickly to install the scanners at Heathrow airport in London after the failed attack by a Nigerian student .

The scanners can display objects or substances hidden under clothing, but are controversial as they create images of passengers without their clothing, raising privacy concerns.

SA's Civil Aviation Authority, which regulates local airports, had received a directive from the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and this was being implemented, it said.

Spokeswoman Phindiwe Gwebu declined to give details of security measures, saying that this was sensitive information. But Gwebu said Airports Company SA (Acsa) was considering introducing full-body scanners.

She said the issue was still under discussion, and had not been confirmed. If the scanners were introduced it would not necessarily be in response to World Cup security fears, but would be to keep up with industry trends.

SAA and Delta Airlines are the only airlines flying to the US from SA. Nicky Knapp, spokeswoman for Acsa which manages 10 local airports, said Acsa had not yet been required to introduce extra security measures after the US incident.

"Passengers travelling through an Acsa airport can expect the exact same procedures, vigilance and commitment to safety and security as was the case last week and last month," Acsa said.

Knapp emphasised that Acsa was responsible only for security at the security checkpoint within an airport, and that airlines could be required to implement additional security during check- in or boarding.

She said passengers should check with the airline as to whether additional security measures were required, and arrive earlier at the airport.

Passengers should also be vigilant in taking care of luggage.

Rogere Mazzolini, station manager for Delta Airlines at OR Tambo International, said Delta had implemented a 100% physical hand-luggage check and a 100% physical pat-down of each passenger. This was in addition to the normal security checkpoints manned by Acsa.

Mazzolini said in-flight restrictions would also apply, although the TSA had softened its initial order that passengers would not be able to use blankets or access hand luggage one hour before landing. Passengers may now access hand luggage and use blankets until the seatbelt sign is turned on.

However, in-flight maps were still disabled, and pilots would not announce the aircraft's location, he said.

SAA spokeswoman Azure Janneker said the airline had received the TSA directive, and was implementing it.

She advised passengers to factor additional time into their travel arrangements to accommodate the increased security measures.