Germany tightens airport security: Prison for tarmac trespassers
Our western neighbours have decided to improve airport security. A draft amendment changing some provisions of the Aviation Security Act has just been approved. Unauthorised persons entering the tarmac area or bringing prohibited items face severe penalties.
Germany is introducing a series of changes to airport regulations. The most significant change concerns unauthorised entry onto the airport tarmac.
2 years in prison for trespassing on the airport tarmac
As part of activities aimed at ensuring greater security at airports, persons entering the so-called operational zone without authorisation may be punished with imprisonment for up to two years.
So far, the penalty for unauthorised entry onto the tarmac has been a fine. However, since this measure was ineffective, the authorities decided to tighten it, reports the portal Schengen.news.
Unauthorised persons entering the airport tarmac cause disruptions and pose a threat to many bystanders - commented Germany's Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser. - Such incidents occur more frequently, indicating that they must be punished more severely. Hence, we decided to take this step.
Transport Minister Dr Volker Wissing emphasized that such cases will be punished with full rigour in the future. Anyone who enters the airport tarmac and blocks airplanes endangers human life. This is not a trivial matter.
Missed the plane to London, so he trespassed onto the tarmac
Let's add that such incidents are becoming more frequent across Europe. In January this year, we reported on a passenger flying from Katowice to Great Britain. He did not make it to the check-in and was not allowed to board by airport staff. However, he did not give up and decided to get on board another way.
A determined 42-year-old man from Siemianowice decided to get to the plane through a gate open for another flight. Thus, the man trespassed onto the airport tarmac, bypassing the passenger check-in.
The man was apprehended by airport staff and handed over to Border Guard officers. For failing to comply with the regulations in effect at the airport, the unruly traveller was fined £100 (GBP).
