Officials said authorities have been lax in maintaining security at the
airport. They said unauthorized personnel have gained access to restricted
airport zones.
In one case, airline security agents stopped a passenger who carried
three cigarette lighters. The lighters contained butane, not permitted on
flights.
The airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, reported the security
lapse. But officials said nothing was done.
British Airways has filed several complaints regarding breaches in
security. The airlines said Kuwaiti authorities failed to place security
guards on flights to and from the Gulf Arab sheikdom.
Officials said the lax security often stemmed from untrained and
inexperienced personnel. They said foreigners as well as stateless Kuwaitis,
known as Bedoons, were entrusted with airport and other security.
Kuwait's Public Authority for Fatwa and Legislation has asked the
Interior Ministry to stop accepting bedoons and expatriates from joining
police and security forces. The authority said preference should be given to
Kuwaiti nationals.