Security Issues At Bali Bandara Ngurah Rai

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that the Bandara Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia does not meet international security standards, and the department is taking action to warn travelers of this security deficiency. Based on an assessment by a team of security experts from TSA, the Department of Homeland Security has determined that the airport does not currently maintain security measures consistent with the standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

In view of this finding, Homeland Security has directed air carriers issuing tickets for travel between the United States and Indonesia to notify ticket purchasers of the identity of this airport in accordance with this determination. Homeland Security also directed that the identity of this airport be displayed prominently at all U.S. airports and published in the Federal Register. The order is effective immediately.

TSA representatives have been in Indonesia to help airport authorities bring Bandara Ngurah Rai International Airport up to international standards. The TSA representatives will continue to work with Indonesia and to assist local authorities with correcting security deficiencies at the airport as quickly as possible.

U.S. and foreign air carriers that fly directly between the United States and Indonesia are temporarily providing additional security measures that counter the deficiencies identified at the airport. If proper precautions are carefully observed by both the air carriers and the airport, Homeland Security believes that it is possible to safely conduct air service operations to and from Bandara Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Under Title 49 of the U.S. Code, Section 44907, Homeland Security assesses security at foreign airports with direct service to the United States. The Secretary of Homeland Security determined that security at the airport is not effective, and he notified the Indonesia government of the findings 90 days ago. Despite Indonesia's hard work and efforts to comply with ICAO standards, not all of the recommended corrective actions were taken after the 90-day period. When all of the actions have been taken, TSA will reassess security measures at the airport.
 

27 December 2005