Worldwide airport security may need complete overhaul in wake of Russian plane crash in Sinai

A complete overhaul of airport security procedures worldwide may be necessary due to suspicions that the recent crash of a Russian plane in the Sinai was an act of ISIS terrorism, Britain’s foreign secretary says.

While investigations continue into the recent crash of a Russian airliner in the Sinai desert, many are considering a change in airport security procedures due to suspicions that it was an act of terror.

Britain’s foreign secretary says airport security in many cities will need to be overhauled if it is confirmed the recent Russian plane crash in the Sinai was caused by a bomb planted by the Islamic State [ISIS] group or by people inspired by the terror organization.

The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the explosion of a Russian airliner over the Sinai Peninsula desert on Saturday, October 31, killing all 224 people on board. Russia rejected that claim.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond warned that if those suspicions are true, there needs to be a rethink of security at airports in areas where the terror group is active.

He told the BBC Sunday that “may mean additional costs. It may mean additional delays at airports as people check in.”

US and British officials suspect the flight from Sharm el-Sheikh to St. Petersburg was brought down by a bomb on board, but Egypt warns it is too early to say what caused the crash.

The Russian airliner crashed Oct. 31, about 20 minutes after taking off from the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Intelligence suggests the plane was downed by a bomb, British and US officials have said, but Egypt says there’s still no confirmation.

A member of the Egyptian investigation team, however, said they are “90-percent sure it was a bomb,” Reuters reports.

By: AP
(With files from World Israel News)

airport securityBritainISISRussiaSinai Peninsula