Security breached at Ketchikan airport
Ketchikan International Airport has experienced three security breaches since new, more stringent security procedures were implemented on Aug. 2.
Airport manager Dave Allen said Monday the breaches occurred in part because of the new procedures. He said security personnel were in the process of learning about new equipment and guidelines. That inexperience led to the breaches, he said.
The airport changed its security procedures in early August, making the entire second floor of the building a secure area limited to screened passengers. The screening area also was moved, and the process changed, thereby causing longer lines at the airport.
Allen declined to say what sort of security breaches occurred. He said the airport investigated all three of them and, in one instance, the secure area was cleared and the second floor examined by security personnel to make sure it was safe. Passengers then were allowed back through the screening process, he said.
Allen said passengers were in no danger because of the breaches, and that the security equipment was functioning. Because of the breaches, the airport has worked to further train security personnel, he said.