Robust security measures are already in place at Singapore's Changi Airport to manage threats against the aviation sector, but these have been reviewed and stepped up in light of the recent Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 incident.
Singapore's Changi Airport, which serves more than 100 airlines, is one of the busiest in the world.
Following the recent disappearance of Malaysia Airlines MH370, security has been further raised as a precautionary measure.
In 2013, some 53.7 million passengers passed through Changi Airport -- that is about 147,000 passengers each day. Not only that, more than 6,900 flights either landed at or departed from Changi Airport every week that year.
These are just some of the numbers authorities have to work around when formulating their security plans.
Sam Tee, deputy assistant commissioner of police and commander of airport police division, said: "The airport police regularly review the security arrangements at the airport in accordance with the developments worldwide.
“In light of MH370, the security agencies have reviewed the security measures and we have enhanced some of the checks with stronger ground presence. And we have also enhanced the checks on travellers' identities."
It is understood that selected flights are subject to more checks, though details are not made known. Airlines were also briefed about enhancing safety measures.
What happened to MH370 is still a mystery.
Abbas Ismail, section head of aviation management and services at Temasek Polytechnic, said: "We have not established that a security breach occurred for this particular flight. I think it's better to be safe, to step up measures, so that if there's an occurrence of such an incident, we are better prepared."
But one thing that is known about MH370 is that two passengers on board were travelling on stolen passports.
Authorities in Singapore said as part of immigration clearance, officers cross-reference databases such as Intepol's when doing identity and document checks.
They are also trained to look out for travellers who behave suspiciously and refer them for further checks, and also to check that travel documents have not been forged or tampered with.
All baggage, including those that arrive in Singapore and are being transferred to another aircraft, is put through an automated screening system which can detect explosive material by using computer analysis and operator review of images.
The facade of the airport terminals has also been hardened to protect buildings and passengers from improvised explosive devices carried in vehicles.
Facade protection comes in the form of bollards and anti-shatter film for the terminals' glass exterior.
All these make up the multiple levels of security adopted to keep passengers safe.
Officers also carry out regular patrols in the terminal transit areas, while over 2,000 CCTV cameras help the authorities keep an eye on everything that is going on at the airport round the clock.
There are about 80,000 staff working at Changi Airport. Of these, between 55,000 and 60,000 carry a Changi Airport Pass. They get access to various restricted areas depending on their passes.
But staff with these passes are subject to background checks before the passes are issued, and undergo regular screenings depending on the nature of their work, and the areas their passes allow them access to.
In addition to current security measures, the authorities also work closely with the airport community, including cleaners, trolley handlers, as well as F&B staff, who act as eyes and ears on the ground.
Associate Professor Kumar Ramakrishna, head of the Centre of Excellence for National Security at S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said: "Airport security is something that simply cannot be taken for granted.
“The challenge is always to ensure a balance between security and efficiency. It's not just about security -- security is paramount -- but at the same time because Singapore and other countries are part of the global economy, the relative efficient flow of passengers is also very important."
Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said it is monitoring the situation closely.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Tee added that the police have worked with the airport operators and airlines to minimise the inconvenience to travellers.
He said: "Police would like to seek the understanding and the patience of the travellers as they go through the security checks so that we can ensure Changi remains a safe and secure airport."
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