The changes have been brought in due to Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's attempt to detonate an improvised explosive during a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas day. Fortunately, UCL graduate Abdulmutallab was prevented from detonating the explosive, but questions have arisen about how he managed to get the explosive through security.
Surprisingly, this is not a blanket move - BAA, who control six of the UK's airports (including Heathrow, Stansted and Glasgow) have agreed to instate the scanners "as soon as is practical", but it looks as if Gatwick may eschew the technology (for now).
Despite a gradual introduction, we can expect delays and you have to wonder where the money for the £100,000 scanners will come from. Fortunately, the scanners remove the need for the intrusive "pat-down" searches that are currently custom. Aviation rules will also change to accommodate the new rules, with transit passengers also undergoing the checks.
But in an age when terrorists are getting smarter, is any extra security a bonus or is it action for the sake of it in an attempt to reassure passengers that something is being done?
By Will Hines
