Aberdeen Airport bolsters efforts against disruptive passengers before busy summer
Strengthened alliance with Police Scotland aims to minimise travel disturbances
Aberdeen International Airport is enhancing its measures against disruptive passengers by reinforcing its partnership with Police Scotland through the Campus Watch programme.
With the summer travel period anticipated to bring increased passenger volumes and major event travel, the initiative aims to safeguard a seamless experience for passengers, staff, and airline crew.
Campus Watch Programme
Campus Watch focuses on prevention, reassurance, and early intervention, solidifying the airport’s zero-tolerance approach towards unacceptable behaviour, including alcohol misuse, aggression, and verbal abuse.
Although incidents of disruptive behaviour at Aberdeen Airport are very rare, the refreshed approach ensures that frontline teams have enhanced support with clear reporting channels and rapid communication tools for proactive issue identification and resolution.
As part of the programme, staff can quickly report individuals showing signs of disruptive behaviour to the central control room.
This allows for swift communication throughout the airport campus, enabling early intervention by airport teams or Police Scotland.
Passenger Behaviour Management
Passengers whose behaviour does not adhere to expected standards may encounter restrictions, such as monitoring or refusal of service at restaurants and bars.
Moreover, the initiative places renewed focus on preparing passengers for security screening, promoting smoother journeys through the airport.
Travellers are encouraged to plan ahead by checking security requirements for items like kilt pins, sgian dhus, and novelty items, ensuring passports and documents comply with entry requirements, and reviewing travel advice for their destination.
Preparing helps minimise delays and supports a positive experience for all travellers.
A particularly busy summer ahead
Billy Wallace, Security Manager at Aberdeen Airport, emphasised, “Aberdeen International Airport is gearing up for a particularly busy summer, with thousands of passengers set to travel for holidays and events like the World Cup. Our priority is ensuring everyone has a safe and positive journey through the airport. While most passengers act responsibly, unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated."
"Campus Watch allows us to take a proactive approach by identifying issues early, by supporting our teams, and by working closely with Police Scotland.”
Inspector Kelly Manson from Police Scotland’s Border Policing Command echoed this sentiment, stating, “Abuse doesn't fly - we want all travellers and staff to feel safe. Our approach through Campus Watch is not to wait and respond to incidents of disorder, but to proactively prevent them from occurring.”
Campus Watch remains operational year-round, reinforcing Aberdeen International Airport's commitment to a safe, efficient, and positive travel experience for all.
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