Staff at Findel with unescorted access to air cargo, for example, will be subject to annual enhanced background checks under new legislation according to an EU directive. Edouard Olszewski

Staff at Findel with unescorted access to air cargo, for example, will be subject to annual enhanced background checks under new legislation according to an EU directive. Edouard Olszewski

Workers at Findel airport will have to undergo an enhanced background check by police at the airport after Luxembourg adopts an EU law on security. The new law applies to staff working in specifically sensitive areas of the airport, including those who have “unescorted access to air cargo and mail, air carrier mail and air carrier material, in-flight supplies and airport supplies”.

Previously, many background checks were carried out by employers at the airport. Luxembourg airport police chief Christian Steichen reckons the new regulations will see his officers carry out some 10,000 checks instead of the 3,000 annually that they currently perform.

What’s more, the checks will rely on information stored in the controversial “Fichier central” data bank.

The enhanced background checks need to be repeated at least every year. In addition, the EU directive requires security staff to be tested for mental and physical abilities and aptitudes, and airport management needs to establish internal policies and measures to enhance staff awareness and promote security culture.