For example, he said, undercover personnel could enter through emergency exits and penetrate air cargo facilities by following airport personnel through access control points. The majority of individuals encountered by the agents failed to challenge them for unauthorized access and in some cases, airport law enforcement officials failed to respond to emergency door alarms. At two airports, undercover auditors bypassed passenger screening checkpoints and entered the concourse. The FAA's inspection and testing of airport security also needs strengthening, Stefani said. The agency sets guidelines and establishes procedures for security, while airports are responsible for controlling access to secured areas within the facility.
Airlines oversee passengers and cargo.
Airports and airlines together have historically been responsible for maintaining security equipment and systems. In a letter sent to airports, Retired Adm. Cathal Flynn, the FAA's associate administrator for civil aviation security, said unauthorized personnel sneaking past controlled access is a serious security problem. The Dallas Morning News reported in its Wednesday editions that federal agents were able to get through security doors 46 times at four major airports, walk around on the tarmac and board 51 airplanes unchallenged. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved. Site users are subject to our User Agreement .