NICARAGUA: CIVIL AVIATION UPDATE - DECEMBER 2007

UNCLAS MANAGUA 002618 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CEN, WHA/EPSC, AND EEB/TRA FAA MIAMI FOR TSAR VGUARDIA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR EINV ETRD PGOV NU SUBJECT: NICARAGUA: CIVIL AVIATION UPDATE - DECEMBER 2007 REF: MANAGUA 983 ¶1. (SBU) This cable contains an action request. Please see paragraph 6. ¶2. (SBU) Summary: As a follow-up to an October 10-15 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspection, the Embassy hosted a roundtable with airline representatives on December 5. While the TSA inspection was successful overall, thes5*2%fon over liquid, aerosol and gas (LAG) screening. Since TSA's visit, airlines undertake to screen 100% of all luggage and passengers they carry. On December 5, airline representatives stated that they were able to reach an agreement with airport administrators on billing issues. They are concerned, however, about an increase in luggage pilfering and the performance of overworked security guards supplied by the Nicaraguan army. End Summary. TSA Inspection Mostly Positive -------------- ¶3. (SBU) A TSA team conducted a full inspection of Managua's international airport, both passenger and cargo operations, from October 10-14. During their inspection, they met frequently with the Nicaraguan airport administration authority (EAAI),the Nicaraguan Civil Aviation Institute (INAC),and airline representatives. The TSA team reported mostly good cooperation from the Nicaraguan authorities, although protocol, procedure, and notice requirements were tighter than in previous visits. ¶4. (SBU) TSA inspectors felt the visit and assessment went well, and set the groundwork for a new relationship with the new airport administration. The military commander of airport security was open and responsive, sharing all operational documents requested by TSA. Security contingency plans met ICAO standards. In the general aviation area, controls were in place with properly issued airport identification badges and background checks. ¶5. (SBU) TSA pointed out four areas for improvement. (1) Security and safety audits, tests, surveys and inspections need to be documented when conducted. (2) Of sixteen functional airport surveillance cameras operated by the police, nine cameras needed repair or replacement. (3) The airport grass is too tall, blocking perimeter surveillance. (4) A squatter camp is situated next to one of the perimeter walls, making it easy for the wall to be climbed. EAAI promised the grass would be cut and the squatters removed. ¶6. (SBU) Separately, a TSA team member recommended TSA instruction on basic, aviation, and cargo security, survey, inspection and testing techniques, as well as instructor training for INAC, airport, and aviation security personnel. TSA instructors are available to provide on-site training, but funding may have to come from other agency or institutional sponsors. Action request: Post requests Department assistance in procuring such funding. ¶7. (SBU) TSA also inspected air carriers flying into the United States. American Airlines, American Airlines Cargo, and TACA fully complied with all requirements. Continental Airlines and Delta Airlines had a few minor, unspecified issues. Spirit Airlines had to implement some small procedural changes. UPS Cargo had some paperwork issues. Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAG) -------------- ¶8. (SBU) During the inspection, the airport and airlines experienced some confusion regarding LAG passenger screening. Just prior to TSA's inspection, the`\v[2Y%mX]s.,BQ