Airports in Asia boost security after Brussels attacks

Some of Asia's major airports have tightened security after this week's terrorist attack in Brussels that killed at least 31 people.

According to a Bloomberg report, the Incheon airport that serves Seoul, Korea will add about 700 more personnel for security monitoring. Tokyo's Narita Airport has strengthened monitoring of suspicious objects. Airport authorities in Hong Kong, Australia, and New Delhi are also reported to have stepped up security.

The Islamic State (IS) had claimed responsibility for the attacks on an international airport and a metro station in Brussels. According to WSJ, the airport attack ranks as one of the deadliest in a major airport hub and is considered one of the worst attacks after 9/11. Belgian media have named two brothers who are said to be behind the attack, releasing image captured by surveillance cameras.

Security in most Asian airports is already quite strong after last year's Paris attacks and a suspected bombing of Russian aircraft raised panic. But measures have largely been limited to efforts to stop terrorists from entering aircraft.

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The latest attacks have brought the focus on security in airports itself. Airports in which passengers are screened near the departure areas might now have to bring it forward, and set up security checks at the entrances.

“There will be increased surveillance and security the moment you arrive at the airport after the Brussels incident,” said Shukor Yusof, founder of aviation consultant Endau Analytics in Malaysia told Bloomberg. “You already see the urgency. These are very sensitive issues.”

The attack has increased fears of global travel, and is expected to put a strain on the travel and hospitality industry.