The operator of the north’s airports has been accused of putting public safety at risk by a trade union.
The Prospect union has criticised Highlands and Islands Airports’ (Hial) decision to stop bag and body searches at three airports.
Current perimeter patrols and hold luggage checks at Tiree, Barra and Campbeltown airports will remain – but mail will no longer be screened from January 30.
The decision has been agreed by the UK and Scottish transport secretaries and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
But Prospect have warned that the measures could increase the risks of attack – and put staff and passengers at risk.
Prospect negotiator David Avery said: “The current regime of security checks was introduced more than ten years ago and has been largely successful.
“But despite the long-standing rules, security staff regularly find passengers carrying prohibited liquids, small knives and in extreme cases, firearms ammunition.”
Mr Avery said any aircraft, regardless of size, is a potential risk when flying near urban areas.
He said: “The flight path into Glasgow is close to nuclear power facilities at Hunterston; the large oil terminal and facilities at Finnart on Loch Long and Ministry of Defence establishments at Coulport, Faslane and Glen Douglas.
“Lowering security at Highlands and islands airports could make these sites, and the airports themselves, far more likely to be potential targets.”
He called for the changes to be delayed pending consultation with staff and passengers.
A Hial spokesman said the changes mean passengers will experience “a streamlined check-in process at their departure airport”.
He added: “The new measures, agreed with the CAA and Department for Transport, are proportionate, and take full account of safety and security.
“Customers transferring to onward destinations will be required to reclaim their luggage, check-in and join the existing security procedures at Glasgow Airport.”
He added that “appropriate security standards” would be maintained but the new measures would improve passenger experience.
The spokesman added: “As is the case currently, items on the prohibited articles list displayed at check-in points at the airports involved may not be carried on any aircraft, and the teams at each airport will assist passengers with any questions on the new procedures.”
