Legality of Apia Airport Vehicle Searches Questioned

Tonga's Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration has halted random security checks of private and commercial vehicles at the entrance gate of Faleolo International Airport (APW) outside Apia.

The ministry wrote to the Samoa Airport Authority (SAA), which recently initiated the checks to "enhance security." The ministry asked whether the SAA was legally allowed to ask people to step outside their vehicles, inspect their handbags, and search the inside and outside of cars. The checks started in late March.

"The inspections will involve verifying vehicle documentation, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and reviewing any cargo in accordance with airport security policies," said SAA General Manager Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu at the time. "These measures are vital to maintaining a secure environment and ensuring that all vehicles meet the necessary operational and safety standards."

However, the vehicle checks sparked considerable consternation on the normally laid-back island and it emerged that the minister responsible was not informed of the SAA's plan.

 The SAA initially suggested that the Tonga Police Force would help out with the searches. However, that was not the case and the police have also questioned the legality of the searches.

Faleolo International is serviced by Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, Qantas, Samoa Airways, Talofa Airways, and Virgin Australia. The airport handles around 5,500 passengers and/or 72 flights per week.

Photo: Airbus