Image via Shutterstock
Agents believe customers would accept paying more for improved security at some international airports, as demanded by the boss of easyJet this week.
Carolyn McCall, the budget carrier’s chief executive, would not name airports she believed needed to step up security levels, but said it was time to rethink policies.
Her comments followed a call from foreign secretary Philip Hammond for a review of airport security.
McCall said: “In some airports, security is very tight. British airports do security very well.
“But I think Philip Hammond is right to point out that there are other countries that airlines fly to where it perhaps needs to be tightened.
“Everybody would agree with that. It’s not a blanket message – it’s a specific message about certain airports. This will be a global thing, not just an Egyptian or a North African thing.”
Neil Basnett, chairman of Elite Travel Group, said: “It does put the spotlight on security worldwide. There will likely be additional security measures introduced.
“These costs will be passed on to the airline and then on to the customer. But if it’s a choice between paying an extra £5 or being at risk, I think we know which one the public will choose.”
Andy Cooper, former director-general of the Federation of Tour Operators, said UK customers were less resilient than previously.
“Potentially, incidents such as this could put customers off, but I think it’s likely that security will be increased,” he said. “In the past, there have been some knee-jerk reactions by government to security, so only time will tell.”
Aito chairman Derek Moore said increased security was inevitable. “Following the Sharm situation, we will probably all be grateful for this, even if we find the delays tedious,” he added.