Key Takeaways
- A non-explosive dummy bomb, also known as an Aircraft Practice Bomb, was found in a passenger’s luggage at Wellington Airport
- The airport and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) decided not to evacuate the area, despite the presence of a potential security threat
- An airport worker has come forward, claiming that passengers and staff were put at risk and that proper procedures were not followed
- The airport and CAA have refused to release details of their protocols, citing security reasons
- The incident has raised concerns about the prioritization of safety and security at the airport
Introduction to the Incident
The discovery of a non-explosive dummy bomb, also known as an Aircraft Practice Bomb, at Wellington Airport has raised serious concerns about the handling of security threats at the airport. The incident occurred during a nearly two-hour period, during which the airport operated as normal, with holidaying passengers continuing to pass through the terminal above the baggage screening area. Despite the presence of a potential security threat, the airport and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) decided not to evacuate the area, citing that there was no need to do so.
The Device and Its Discovery
The Aircraft Practice Bomb is a non-explosive dummy designed to replicate a lethal military explosive in training scenarios. It is banned on board commercial aircraft, and police say they confiscated the device found at Wellington Airport. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) established that while the mock-bomb found in the luggage would have had "live" components like a blasting cap and initiator when it was used in the past, it had since been made inert. The NZDF spokeswoman said the practice bomb was filled with lead, "which matched the weight of a live bomb". A photo supplied to the Herald appears to show the dummy training bomb detected in a passenger’s bag during screening at Wellington Airport.
Response to the Incident
An airport worker, who has asked to remain anonymous, claims that passengers and staff were put at risk and that proper procedures were not followed. The worker believes that staff from the immediate area should have been evacuated and bag screening and aircraft loading put on hold. The worker also believed that officials could have considered evacuating parts of the passenger terminal while they waited for the bomb squad. The worker felt that their life was in danger and that the handling of the incident was a clear example of prioritizing "profit over people". The worker’s concerns highlight the need for a thorough review of the airport’s security protocols and procedures.
Airport and CAA Response
Wellington Airport initially refused to answer questions about the incident, referring queries to the CAA, which also refused to share details of its protocols, citing security reasons. The airport confirmed that the screening was reviewed afterwards with the CAA team and partner agencies, in an effort to "identify any learnings", in line with normal practice. A determination was made that an evacuation was not necessary, and the airport said "it was determined there was not an immediate risk justifying a full evacuation". However, the airport has refused to say how it was determined not to be a risk, before the bomb squad had arrived and assessed the object. The CAA would not directly address claims from the worker that the situation was not handled in line of proper process, nor would it share details of subsequent "security learnings".
Concerns and Implications
The incident has raised concerns about the prioritization of safety and security at the airport. The airport worker’s allegations suggest that the airport and CAA may have compromised safety protocols in order to minimize disruptions to airport operations. The refusal of the airport and CAA to release details of their protocols and procedures has only added to the concerns. The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of security threats at airports. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the airport’s security measures and the training of staff in responding to potential security threats.
Conclusion
The discovery of a non-explosive dummy bomb at Wellington Airport has raised serious concerns about the handling of security threats at the airport. The incident has highlighted the need for a thorough review of the airport’s security protocols and procedures, as well as greater transparency and accountability in the handling of security threats. The airport and CAA must take the concerns of the airport worker and the public seriously and take steps to ensure that safety and security are prioritized at all times. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in responding to potential security threats, and the need for airports to prioritize the safety and security of passengers and staff above all else.
