Government will invest BRL 40 million to reinforce security at Brazilian airports

Minister Márcio França, of Ports and Airports, announced this Wednesday (21) that the government will invest BRL 40 million in the purchase of new x-ray equipment, liquid and explosive detectors and body scanners to reinforce security at Brazilian airports .

In addition to the equipment, the “Aeroportos+Seguros” program will also implement biometric access systems for employees to restricted areas, greater control over baggage operations and new monitoring cameras. The resources will come from the Civil Aviation National Functional and applied gradually from São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, with results targets for 6 months, 12 months and 18 months.

In the São Paulo terminal alone, eight explosive detection devices will be installed; three new body scanners; six new x-ray machines; identification with an individual access key to the baggage system and biometric access for employees in restricted areas.

According to França, the program began to be elaborated after the arrest of two Brazilian women in Germany who had their luggage exchanged in the restricted area of ​​the terminal for suitcases with drugs. The minister said that, despite the fact that the airport in Guarulhos was granted to the private sector, it is the responsibility of the public authorities to deal with the issue of security – which needs to be constantly updated and improved.

“If it is true that we have one of the safest airlines in the world, it is also true that the policy must always be updated. This enhancement is our duty,” she said.

The minister also stated that the initiative will curb the commission of crimes by co-opting outsourced employees in sensitive areas, such as drug trafficking, and will provide passengers with a greater sense of security.

For Minister Flávio Dino, of Justice, the new investments will also help to boost the tourism sector itself. “When you invest in security, you improve the environment, which drives public or private investment decisions or choices. More tourism means opportunities and widespread development, decentralized throughout the national territory”, he added.

Dino also said that the Federal Police should move more agents to the terminals, reinforcing security.