Airport Security, Immigration & Border Control

[Jerry]

For something like that would Border Force launch some sort of investigation and surely with an airport as busy with domestic flights as BRS is there would be stands and an area dedicated to domestic arrivals?

 

[superking]

For something like that would Border Force launch some sort of investigation and surely with an airport as busy with domestic flights as BRS there would be stands and an area dedicated to domestic arrivals?

Well can only imagine that someone opened a gate some where and whoever was directing them sent them the domestic route.I don't know how far this would go with border force as not all on flight had passports checked. It is a worry something like this,as if nothing is done it could happen again.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Someone at the airport passport control has a red face and more than likely a severe ticking off at least. The EasyJet flight from PRG last Friday night landed at 23.00 hrs. THEY were accidentally sent through the domestic arrival area by ground staff. No one on the flight had their passports checked till airport staff rounded as many as they could find as some had already left the airport. Sounds like fred karnoes army Makes you wonder if its happened before,and will it happen in the future. I would have thought there was some sort of back up to stop this happening. Not gone through there since its been extended,as my question is how easy is it to make a mistake like this happening,if easy perhaps a few alterations with the terminal to prevent this happening again.

This is the story in the local rag.

http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/security-blunder-easyjet-bristol-airport-416679

 

[TheLocalYokel]

BRS press release. Not just relevant to BRS but it's on the BRS website.

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...9/5/government-expands-use-of-epassport-gates

Government expands use of ePassport gates to seven more countries
Created: 20th May 2019

Eligible travellers from seven non-EU countries can now use ePassport gates to enter the UK quickly and securely in changes being made to the border from today.

• Nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States can now use automated ePassport gates
• 51.9 million passengers used ePassport gates in the year ending September 2018
• The gates use facial recognition technology to check passenger identity and maintain the UK’s border security

Visitors from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States will be able to use ePassport gates at ports across the UK and juxtaposed controls in a move designed to speed up border controls for low-risk countries.

There were over 10 million arrivals in the UK by nationals from these countries in 2017.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said:

“Our new global immigration and border system will improve security and fluidity for passengers coming to visit or work in the UK.

“Expanding the use of ePassport gates is a key part of this and allows us to improve the passenger experience of those arriving in the UK while keeping our border secure.

“The new system will help to drive our economy, cement our reputation as a global leader and send a clear message to the world – the UK is open for business.”

The change means the Government has delivered early on the commitment made in the Spring Statement, where the Chancellor announced that nationals from these seven countries would be able to use ePassport gates from June.

ePassport gates have been available to British and EU nationals since 2008. EU nationals will remain eligible to use them once the UK leaves the EU.

Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association Karen Dee said:

“As airports prepare for the busy summer months, we know that no one likes to wait long in a queue for passport control. That is why airports work closely with Border Force to ensure the border is welcoming, while maintaining the UK’s security.

“Enabling more passengers to use ePassport gates is an important next step in our joint efforts to enhance the welcome at the border. It will demonstrate the UK is open for business, tourism and visiting friends and relatives. It will also free up Border Force officers for other duties, improving the experience of all passengers.”

Additionally, the Government is removing the need for all non-EEA travellers to fill in landing cards upon arrival in the UK, making for a smoother entry to the country.

The move will reduce the burden on passengers while maintaining the UK’s border security, as exactly the same security checks will be in place.

The UK is already a world leader in automated passenger clearance, allowing more nationalities to use ePassport gates than anywhere else. In the year ending September 2018, 51.9 million passengers used them across the UK and juxtaposed controls.

The gates use facial recognition technology to compare the passenger’s face to the digital image recorded in their passport. They are monitored by Border Force officers and anyone rejected at the gates will be sent to a manned passport check to have their identity and passport checked.

The gates can be used by those aged 18 and over, and who are travelling using a biometric or ‘chipped’ passport. Those aged 12 to 17, and who are accompanied by an adult, are also able to use them.

There are currently 264 ePassport gates in operation at 15 air and rail terminals in the UK and juxtaposed controls.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Extinction Rebellion, the climate change action group that is no stranger to Bristol having made their presence felt in the recent past at such places as Bristol Airport and Cabot Circus, begins a five-day programme in Bristol from this Monday aimed at major disruption of the city's life.

Monday will see Bristol Bridge blocked and it seems the authorities have already bowed to the inevitable with this major artery set to be closed all day. Other known demonstration sites later in the week include the Council House (or City Hall if you want to use its new Americanised name) and the massive MOD Procurement Centre at Filton Abbey Wood with its 13,000 employees.

There will be numerous other demonstrations yet to be announced, some likely to be surprise visits to various 'targets'.

The local Avon & Somerset Police, already vastly under-strength following government cuts in recent years, is calling on the assistance of neighbouring forces but a senior officer told Radio Bristol this morning that they are limited in what they will be able to achieve given the likely number of demonstrators.

All police leave in the force area will be cancelled, but with recent major events at Glastonbury, St Pauls Carnival last week and Bristol Pride today there must be a danger of many officers becoming over-stretched.

The organisers of the protests have already said that at least 300 of their number are happy to be arrested with some hoping to be. Furthermore, the demonstration could last longer than five days.

Bristol Airport must be a potential target again. No doubt the authorities think the same but it could take almost any form. One can only hope that effective contingency plans are in place to prevent serious disturbance of the airport's operations. It's easy for me to say but much more difficult to achieve in the face of determined activists.

Apart from the intense disruption to city life, the tax payer will have to foot the police bill and local authority bill, and many parts of the Avon & Somerset Police area will be left denuded of officers whilst these protests take place.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Airport press release.

Bristol Airport and ICTS UK & Ireland’s long-standing security partnership to continue

Bristol Airport has re-awarded ICTS UK & Ireland as its security partner, responsible for the provision of security services/passenger screening at the Airport.

www.bristolairport.co.uk

 

[Kernow Bravo]

Anyone with inside knowledge know when BRS is planning to have the new scanners up & running?

U.K. 100ml Liquids In Hand Luggage On Planes Ending—But Delayed

All U.K. airports had planned to remove the 100ml limit of all liquids in hand luggage on planes by June 2024—this now looks likely to not be in place until summer 2025.

www.forbes.com

Rumours of delays at some airports, e.g. LHR where floors need to be reinforced in some terminals due to the weight of the scanners

 

[tpm]

I'd also be interested in knowing what they're planning to do about the Border Control area, which seems too small to cope these days. There wasn't a single arrival in the last 12 months where I didn't have to wait 10-20 minutes in the western walkway or central walkway to even access the stairs that lead down to Border Control, even late at night. Once downstairs it's usually okay-ish, at least when using the e-gates. I understand why they don't want people queuing up those narrow stairs of course, but it's all getting a bit small really.

 

[Kernow Bravo]

Update on security scanners :

Bristol Airport shares update on 100ml liquid rule change

More than £10 million has been spent on new security equipment enhancement at the airport.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Aviador]

I've just read an article saying most UK airports will have switched to the new scanners for the half-term rush.

 

[kfs]

Returned from Enfidha Friday afternoon. Flight arrived early, parked on a remote stand, but I was still optimistic that I would make the 14.10 Weston A3 bus. Only 112 on the flight, disembarked quickly and buses left for the terminal. We arrived at the International arrivals entrance and the bus stopped, doors remained closed. After some five minutes the driver opened the middle doors to give us some air, but said that he couldn't allow us to proceed to passport control since someone from DHL hadn’t arrived to open the doors. The doors were operating and other members of airport staff were using them, but without DHL we can't be allowed in. After another five minutes a woman finally arrived and opened the doors and we were allowed off. What a farce! Pretty much on a par with DHL parcel delivery, although you never have to open the door for them as they don't ring the bell and just abandon your parcel on the doorstep.

When did this ridiculous rule come in? You used just to arrive and the doors opened automatically. Fortunately I did make the bus, with three minutes to spare.