Aviation security in Africa has come under new scrutiny. Questions have begun to emerge as to how a suspected terrorist was able to pass through several African countries before his true identity was revealed by a security system in Senegal. Traveling as a Vietnamese pilot, the man was attempting to hide from authorities and an international warrant of arrest.
Customs Seizes 39,000 Yaba Pills From Saudi Arabia-Bound Garments Consignment in Dhaka
Published by BD News24 16 October 2020
Everyone enjoys a nice, cozy sweater during the fall and winter months. However, these particular sweaters were used to conceal yaba pills. According to the Department of Justice, “Yaba is a combination of methamphetamine (a powerful and addictive stimulant) and caffeine. Yaba, which means crazy medicine in Thai, is produced in Southeast and East Asia.”
Prague Airport Enhances Cyberattack Protection with New Cyber Security Operational Center
Published by Aviation Pros 1 October 2020
Cybersecurity is crucial in protecting the aviation industry. In the Czech Republic, a new cybersecurity center has been opened at Václav Havel Airport Prague. Aviation Pros states, “The new Cyber Security Operational Centre (CSOC) is designed to strengthen the protection of the strategic infrastructure of the largest international airport in the country against cyberattacks and to prevent the misuse of airport information systems.”
TSA and CBP announce the expansion of Preclearance
Published by The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 29 September 2020
Have you heard of the Preclearance program? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) defines Preclearance as “...a partnership through which governments authorize CBP to station personnel at airports to complete customs, immigration, and agriculture inspections of travelers before they board flights bound for the United States. Precleared travelers bypass CBP and TSA security inspections upon arrival in the United States, saving valuable time as they proceed to connecting flights or their destination.”
For more information on this program expansion, click here.
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) #notonmyflight
Published by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Unruly aircraft passengers create a security and safety risk. In response to an increase of incidents, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has launched a new education campaign called #notonmyflight. EASA states, “These incidents have a direct impact on both the safety of crew and of passengers. Any kind of unruly or disruptive behaviour whether related to intoxication, aggression or other factors introduces an unnecessary risk to the normal operation of a flight.”
Passengers Threatened Flight Attendant, Grabbed Bags During Emergency Evacuation
Published by Paddle Your Own Kanoo 3 September 2020
When an accident occurs while onboard an aircraft, flight attendants are responsible for the safety of the passengers. Passengers can prevent injury and unnecessary risks by following their instructions. Failure to do so puts not only the passengers, but the crew in danger.
Passenger Used Emergency Exit to Step on Aircraft Wing
Published by 112 Ukraine 1 September 2020
Taking a stroll down the wing of an aircraft is highly discouraged in today’s world. One lady has been blacklisted by UIA airlines after she decided to do just that. Emergency exits on an aircraft should be used for emergency purposes only.
CBP Collects $575,000 from Pure Circle U.S.A. for Stevia Imports Made with Forced Labor
Published by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol 13 August 2020
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides the following definition of forced labor: “Victims of forced labor could be found in factories, on farms, doing construction work, and more. Very often victims are forced to manufacture or grow products that we use and consume every day. Through force, fraud, or coercion, victims are made to work for little or no pay.” Did you know that through the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, forced labor-produced goods cannot be imported into the United Sates? One company learned the hard way when they were cited civil penalties in the amount of $575,000.
Saudi Customs Train Dogs to Sniff Out Infected Air Travelers
Published by AviationPros 5 August 2020
Are you a dog lover? Instead of testing for COVID-19 with a swab, what about testing with specially trained dogs that can smell for the virus? Well, you are in luck! If you happen to pass through Saudi Customs, you will be met with a virus sniffing canine. Unfortunately, at this time, there are no trained virus sniffing cats.
Airforwarders Association: How to Handle the All-Cargo Screening Mandate
Published by Aircargo News 6 June 2020
The convenience of ordering services and goods online have helped many throughout these past few months. Since the rise in all-cargo flights, there will a new screening process. Aircargo states, “Starting in June 2021, shipments flying on international all-cargo flights will have to be screened with the same scrutiny of cargo transported on passenger planes or received from a US Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-regulated entity that has applied appropriate security controls.”
Released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 23 June 2020
Canada to Require Temperature Screening at Airports
Published by HS Today 15 June 2020
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has some new security changes taking place. Due to the concern of COVID-19, starting at the end of June, HS Today states, “Canada will now require temperature screenings for all passengers travelling to Canada or travelers departing Canadian airports for either international or domestic destinations.”
There are a variety of reasons people fly private: comfort, no long wait times, easy access to flight, privacy, security and the use of practical safety measures. Traveling private can be a much safer alternative these days, especially during the current pandemic. See what business executives are saying about the use of private aviation options and why they prefer it.
Everyone is anxious for the current lockdown requirements to end. In India, new security measures are taking off as airports prepare for upcoming travel. The Hindu article states, “According to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security sources, frisking and pat-down search of passengers will be stopped till further notice. In case of any unresolved alarm triggered by Hand Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs) even after repeated attempts, passengers will be denied entry into aircraft and security personnel will be helped by their supervisors for appropriate action.”
In order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, some international airports are starting to implement on-site testing. Emirates airline (located at Dubai International Airport), is one of the first airlines to conduct pre-departure testing. This article gives a glimpse into their world and how they are trying to combat the spread of this deadly disease. SF Gate states, “The airline, working with the Dubai Health Authority, takes passenger blood samples at the airport before departure and said it can obtain test results within 10 minutes. The first test of the system was conducted this week on passengers traveling on an Emirates flight to Tunisia.”
Proclamation - Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus
Published by The White House 11 March 2020
Have a flight booked to Europe within the next 30 days? Start planning now to reschedule your trip. President Trump has issued a travel ban for the next 30 days in hopes of controlling the spread of COVID-19. If you have questions, here are your answers.
What Security Leaders Can Learn From The Coronavirus Threat
Published by Security 3 March 2020
Detailed reports regarding the coronavirus threat continue to document the severity, spread and necessary steps to contain this pandemic. Security leadership focus on the protection of an organization, from loss prevention all the way to securing the facility. It’s important for these leaders to remember that employees and management are also part of an organization; their safety and security should be a high priority. As such, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate employee exposure to this virus and other possible health risks.
Released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 20 February 2020
Click here to download the full FAA Advisory NOTAMs for Overseas Area.
Nine Killed at Two Shisha Bars in Germany in Suspected Far-Right Attack
Published by CNN 20 February 2020
An investigation is underway after a man opened fire at two Turkish bars in the city of Hanau, Germany. The gunman is suspected to have a far-right background and Turkey has called the shooting, which resulted in the death of 11 people, including the gunman and his mother, an act of racism while Germany is treating it as a terrorism attack.
Islamic State's South Asia Branch Poses Security Threat to Nations Neighboring Afghanistan: UN Report
Published by The Tribune 11 February 2020
The United Nations has released a new report stating the Islamic State in Iraq is actively forming contacts with other terrorist groups, publishing propaganda and recruiting new members. Countries that neighbor Afghanistan could find themselves facing an increased security threat due to these activities.
Feds Are Lining Up More Indictments Related to Chinese Cyber-Activity, Officials Say
Published by cyberscoop 6 February 2020
Federal officials allege that China is conducting cyber attacks on U.S. companies through the use of contractors. To combat this economic espionage, the U.S. Department of Justice has stated that new indictments alleging insider threats and cyber hacking will soon be issued against Chinese nationals.
Only Three of The Top 100 International Airports Pass Basic Security Checks
Published by ZDNet 3 February 2020
International airports everywhere may want to look more closely at the cybersecurity measures used by Dublin International Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Helsinki Vantaa Airport. A new report shows they were the only three to pass basic security checks. The report was compiled by ImmuniWeb, a cybersecurity firm, and contains the results of scans that tested each airport’s mobile application security; dark web exposure, code repositories and cloud; and main website security.
GDPR Fines Top $126 Million With Over 160,000 Data Breaches Reported
Published by CPO Magazine 3 February 2020
In the European Union, more fines and data breach notifications are being issued under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, these fines are reportedly much lower than the maximum amount allowed of 4 percent of the company’s annual revenue. The exception to the rule: Google, which after failing to provide users in France with adequate disclose data collection terms was fined $57 million.
Raising the Global Travel Security Bar: DHS Announces New Travel Restrictions on Six Countries and Updated Process for Evaluating Foreign Country Compliance
Issued by the Department of Homeland Security 31 January 2020
Foreign governments are expected to comply with U.S. guidelines concerning public safety risk criteria, information sharing, identity-management and national security. Six governments have, at this time, failed to meet these criteria: Burma, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania. As a result, new visa restrictions have been placed on these countries.
SECURITY ALERT 6 January 2020: National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin Issued
Issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 4 January 2020
Due to increasing tensions within the Middle East, an alert bulletin was issued byDHS. This bulletin highlights that attacks can come at any time with little or no warning, however, a specific, credible threat is not currently known. Advisory Bulletins describe current developments or general trends regarding threats of terrorism.
Please read the full bulletin here to stay informed, be prepared and learn how you can help.
FAA Threat Analysis - Libya
Distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as of 27 November 2019
The growing conflict between the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) and the self-named "Libyan National Army" (LNA) has led to an increasing threat to U.S. civil aviation.
Lapse in Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Signatory Carrier Agreements
Distributed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 5 November 2019
To transport Visa Waver Program (VWP) travelers, you must have a valid Visa Waiver Program Agreement. Please email Lisa Caselli at lisa.a.caselli@cbp.dhs.gov with any questions.
Sharm El-Sheikh: UK to Resume Flights After Safety Ban
Posted by BBC News on 22 October 2019
Direct flights from the UK to Sharm el-Sheik to resume after government ban due to security concerns in 2015. The ban came as a response to the bombing of a Russian airliner resulting in the death of 224 people.
Distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as of 15 September 2019
Multiple unmanned aircraft system (UAS) strikes have been reported on the Saudi Aramco oil facilities. These attacks have not yet been directed at aviation, but do showcase the long-range capabilities and intent of the Huthis as this was the largest attack to date.
