Biometric security measures announced for Heathrows T5

When Heathrow's newest Terminal opens in March 2008, passengers using the facility will participate in the first ever finger print and facial scans as a matter of routine security.

Airport operator BAA explained that the biometric security measures were being implemented as a result of increased threats to security in British airports. A BAA representative pointed out that other airports, for example American facilities, already employ biometric technology in their security procedures.

The measures are also necessary due to the design of the new terminal which allows international and domestic passengers to share the same departure lounge. Therefore, the scans will be done at a regular security check-point after check-in as well as just before boarding the plane. This will prevent someone from entering Britain on an international flight and transferring to a domestic flight without going through immigration procedures.

At Gatwick airport, domestic passengers using the common international and domestic departure lounge have their photograph taken and printed onto their boarding pass. A spokesperson for Gatwick airport said that biometric security measures like the ones at Heathrow were likely to be implemented in the future although the airport has no concrete plans to do so as of yet.

Ten airports in America have already begun insisting that incoming passengers give fingerprints from all 10 fingers. The fingerprint programme will officially begin in autumn, leading many to worry that the airports in America will only become more congested and delays more acute.

But the acting director of the US-Visit Programme responsible for immigration security, Bob Mocny said the system improves safety and will become more speedy in the future.


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Jennifer Jones Editorial


17/07/2007


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