ASSI security audit calls for restricting public vehicular traffic to airport terminal
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In 2021, during a scheduled aviation security audit conducted by Air Safety Support International (ASSI), the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority (BVIAA) was issued a partial non-compliance finding related to Landside Security at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.
Security concerns
This finding, our News Centre, was further informed, pertained to BVIAA’s partial adherence to regulatory requirements established under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) framework.
The ICAO mandates several landside security provisions, one of which is the implementation of a 30-meter stand-off zone between terminal buildings and areas accessible to public vehicular traffic.
This stand-off zone is designed to mitigate the threat posed by Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs); Reduce blast impact in the event of an attack; and safeguard critical airport infrastructure and human life.
Complementary physical measures such as traffic calming bumps, bollards, vehicle barriers, and controlled access points are also typically expected to reinforce the stand-off zone and limit high-speed vehicular approaches to terminal areas.
Mitigation plan
At the time of the audit, according to reports reaching our News Centre, BVIAA had in place several fundamental landside security elements. However, the Authority had not fully implemented key components required under ICAO standards, including the 30-meter stand-off zone and traffic calming infrastructure near the terminal’s vehicular approach routes.
“Full compliance would have required either relocating the terminal or significantly restricting public access to a portion of the parking lot and entryway, these were options that were considered impractical due to the airport’s geographic and operational constraints.
“While BVIAA did not support full implementation of the physical stand-off zone due to the substantial impact it would have had on functionality, the Authority remained committed to enhancing security and achieving the intent of the regulation through feasible alternatives.”
Sources close to the matter said a series of constructive discussions with ASSI resulted in the development and submission of a mitigation plan, which proposed compensatory measures including: Installation of reinforced physical barriers near the terminal perimeter; Strategic deployment of traffic calming bumps to reduce vehicle speed and delay direct terminal approach; Installation of additional bollards at the front of the terminal building; and Revised traffic circulation plans to minimize unregulated vehicular access.
ASSI reportedly reviewed and accepted the mitigation plan, recognising it as a proportionate and context-sensitive approach to meeting the security objectives.
Non-compliance risks
Our News Centre was told implementation of these mitigation measures is currently in progress, with phased upgrades being overseen by BVIAA’s security and operations teams.
“It is critical to highlight that prolonged or unresolved non-compliance with ICAO security standards, particularly regarding landside protection, can have adverse implications for international operations, especially for U.S.-registered commercial carriers.
“Agency such as the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conduct periodic assessments of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, as US carriers provide air service at this airport,” Our News Centre was told.
Unaddressed deficiencies in landside security, according to the same sources, can lead to: Heightened scrutiny and additional inspections by US authorities; Operational restrictions or conditional service approvals for US carriers; and Potential suspension of US commercial service to the airport.
“Such outcomes could negatively affect the Territory’s connectivity, tourism, and broader economic activity.
“The ongoing implementation of the approved mitigation plan reflects BVIAA’s commitment to addressing security vulnerabilities while balancing practical and infrastructural limitations,” our News Centre was told.
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36 Responses to “ASSI security audit calls for restricting public vehicular traffic to airport terminal”
Our airport looks ghetto enough then y'all wan be in there parking in no parking zone near the terminals. Like really?
Get them out of there man. Let them walk in or create another level where they can pick up people and keep it moving
While I am in full agreement that parking at the front of the terminal should be strictly prohibited and robustly enforced, there must be sensible provisions for pick up and drop off.
How do some of u get so f...ng stupid why are you blaming tola people you can't read a foreign body trying to implement it. And the local body has ignored it so far trying to to fight against it. I wonder if our neighbors who are dead against our airport developing their yachting investors down there who are crying over the increased flights have anything to do with it.
This is a crock of bull nonsense.
They will cause the passengers to suffer. They did not think of the impact on the people. This came from 2021 why force it now.
What has changed since then?
This does not add up. I am not aware of any incident in the history of the territory that would suggest that we are exposed to terrorist threat.
This is over regulation and it’s being forced on the locals.
We are not in Afghanistan or Iraq. Come on people.
Maybe they should pay for the new airport if they want to impose international rules.
Wouldn't even cost much if the contract does not go to a buddy with kickbacks.
The space in front could then be made into an attractive concourse with plants, tables and chairs to make the whole pickup and greeting experience nicer for us all. just count the steps from car to desk in other places and you will get the idea. Trying to reduce the effects should something terrible ever happen. Dont count the steps in St Thomas as they have pretty much the same political/buddy set up as here.