Another security breach at Norwich
Government officials have ordered urgent action to address security issues at Norwich International airport after branding the second breach in a month “unacceptable”.
The Department for Transport (DfT) acted after a fundraiser trying to find the East Anglian Air Ambulance office accidentally drove on to an active taxiway. Pat Newman, landlord of the Bluebell pub, Langham, was there to deliver a cheque when he unwittingly entered airside through an open perimeter gate and parked beside a passenger plane by the main terminal.
Last month, two Look East reporters highlighted lax security by driving a car through the main security gate twice and walking near planes for three-quarters of an hour.
At the time, airport managing director Richard Jenner said: “It is clear you did identify a potential weakness in our security arrangements... I am confident the way you got in will never happen again.” Mr Jenner last night declined to comment on the latest breach.
A DfT statement said: “This second incident is unacceptable and we have spoken to the airport management.
“A robust action plan is being taken forward, which will involve increased inspection of the airport and close working between DfT and Norwich International airport to ensure action has been, and continues to be, taken.”
Mr Newman said he drove through the gate after seeing the air ambulance parked next to a police helicopter.
He said: “I just went straight through. There were some people near a light aircraft. I asked them the way and they said you have to go back, it is the other side of the hangar. I duly went back and the gate was closed so we had no option but to drive to the terminal building at the front. It was so amazing to be able to do that and get on the airfield so easily… I could have been a terrorist.”
As he parked beside a passenger plane on the terminal apron, Mr Newman's Volvo was stopped by security, who took his name and registration number, before escorting him off the premises.
* Source of article: Eastern Daily Press
