Events such as those of September 11 2001 and other acts of international terrorism have highlighted the risks to aviation of terrorist attack. The UK has experienced a number of serious security alerts since 2006, including a direct attack at Glasgow Airport in June 2007. The International Civil Aviation Organisation and the EU have introduced additional security measures to combat these risks.

The UK government is responsible for establishing mandatory security rules and processes on airports to counter security threats. Since August 2006, increased demands for screening people and items, plus recommendations around improvement of forecourt protection measures have been placed on airports within the UK.

Our job is to implement an increasingly complex set of rules to protect everyone at the airport, while minimising disruption to our passengers. Airports also have an important role in keeping people safe from other causes of injury and criminal activity.

Our highest priority is the security of our passengers, our employees and those of our partners. This is critical to the success of our business. Over 40% of our staff work in security, and receive more than double the minimum amount of training recommended by the Department for Transport (DfT). Security staff focus on the following areas:

• Searching passengers and hand luggage
• Securing airport perimeters
• Searching airport employees (not just those working for BAA)
• Providing the infrastructure for hold baggage to be screened
• Managing access to secure areas.