Air travel safety

Sir, - You have rightly pointed out in your Editorial (Sept. 15) that stopping the kamikaze is the first step towards ensuring travel safety. Probably the various security measures introduced in America will help in stopping terrorists from boarding a plane.

But, two things have to be borne in mind. First, such measures should be enforced across the globe. After all, terrorists need not board a flight in Malaysia if their target is the other famous twin tower. Secondly, we should remember that public memory is short.

Air security might be foremost in the minds of travellers now after a major incident such as last Tuesday's. But as time goes by, they will start complaining about delays in check-ins and other inconveniences.

And the security personnel at the airports, who are poorly paid not only in India but also in the U.S., are likely to get complacent about the procedures. The terrorists rely on these to break into the system.

It is a tough job for the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. and similar authorities the world over to strike a balance between stringent security measures and comfortable air travel.

N.S. Ramnath,

Chennai

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Opinion
Previous : Delimitation of constituencies
Next     : Ban hand baggage