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🇮🇸 Iceland /Energy & Infrastructure

Icelandic lawmaker calls for changes to airport security screening

From Morgunblaðið · () Icelandic

Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • An Icelandic lawmaker is advocating for changes to security and baggage screening procedures at Keflavík Airport.
  • The politician experienced difficulties during a security check and has received numerous messages from others who have had negative experiences.
  • The airport authority stated that special assistance is available but requires advance notification, and new screening equipment is being procured.

Guðmundur Ingi Kristinsson, a member of the Icelandic parliament, is pushing for significant procedural changes at Keflavík Airport's security and baggage screening. Kristinsson himself encountered issues during a recent security check, prompting him to raise concerns about the current practices.

Kristinsson stated that the response to his concerns has been immediate and widespread. "I have received many messages, and people are encouraging me to address this," he said. "People are in very different states, and some have had quite bad experiences with the security screening. People have complained, but nothing changes."

He believes that greater consideration is needed, suggesting that dedicated lanes for individuals with mobility issues and the provision of seating and shoehorns for those who need to remove footwear would improve the process. "There needs to be more consideration shown there. If I had been traveling alone, I probably would have run into more trouble," Kristinsson added.

I have received many messages, and people are encouraging me to address this. People are in very different states, and some have had quite bad experiences with the security screening. People have complained, but nothing changes.

— Guðmundur Ingi KristinssonDescribing the public's reaction and the lack of change regarding airport security procedures.

Isavia, the airport authority, responded that while special assistance can be requested, it must be arranged 48 hours in advance through the relevant airline. They also noted that the area between security and duty-free shopping is intended for passengers to gather their belongings post-screening, with benches and shoehorns usually available, though temporary relocation due to construction is possible. Isavia confirmed that new screening equipment is currently being procured.

A previous report on the matter shared on MBL's Facebook page sparked a divided public reaction. Some users expressed gratitude for the thorough security measures, while others felt the process was humiliating, with one commenter likening the experience to "Jesus on the cross."

There needs to be more consideration shown there. If I had been traveling alone, I probably would have run into more trouble.

— Guðmundur Ingi KristinssonHighlighting the need for improved consideration during security checks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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