Miami International Airport is the primary international airport for the entire South Florida area. It’s a major hub between the US and Latin America and sees as many as 38 million travelers annually.
The staff that keeps the Miami International Airport running smoothly numbers more than 300,000, many of which have access to the secure or behind-the-scenes areas of the airport.
Some argue that these workers present a serious risk to airports and air travelers and should go through screening every time they come to work. Supporting evidence for this argument includes a former baggage handler at the Miami International Airport who was part of the alleged plot to blow up the fuel lines at the JFK International Airport in New York. This former baggage handler had no prior criminal record.
Many international airports around the globe, such as major airports in London, Hong Kong, and Amsterdam, currently employ more than a quick ID check for airport workers. In 1999, Miami International Airport also adopted a screening policy due to concerns with illegal drug activities.
Airport workers argue against extra screening, arguing that it would cause extra time and unnecessary effort for them to just do their jobs.
A compromise has been suggested, which includes deeper background checks and vetting for airport workers before they are hired, CCTV cameras in behind-the-scenes areas, random physical inspections, and abnormal behavior recognition training. Should this regiment also include more highly trained security guards?
