VENEZUELAN NATIONAL GUARD HARASSES DELTA FLIGHT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 CARACAS 001293 SIPDIS HQ SOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD TREASURY FOR MMALLOY COMMERCE FOR 4431/MAC/WH/MCAMERON CA FOR CA/OCS/ACS FOR WILLIAM HURST DS FOR OSAC, DS/TIA DHS FOR TSA E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/01/2018 TAGS: VE CASC ASEC MARR PGOV ECON EAIR SUBJECT: VENEZUELAN NATIONAL GUARD HARASSES DELTA FLIGHT CREW CARACAS 00001293 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Economic Counselor Darnall Steuart for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On September 14, Delta Airlines Corporate Security contacted the Embassy to report that Delta crew members going through security for their September 13 flight felt threatened by Venezuelan National Guard comments to the point that the captain ordered a second, precautionary security sweep of the aircraft. We have received no reports, however, of passenger difficulties with Venezuelan National Guard, immigration or customs authorities. In a September 15 meeting, Delta reiterated concerns raised by American Airlines about the National Guard's refusal to allow airport or airline security to be present when the National Guard inspects checked baggage. Airlines have banded together in failed attempts to draw the National Civil Aviation Authority (INAC) and Airport Security's attention to airport security deficiencies. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) On September 15, Corporate Security Representative for Delta Airlines Gloria Ortega (strictly protect throughout) told Emboffs that as Delta flight crew were going through security the morning of September 13, a member of the Venezuelan National Guard addressed a non-Spanish speaking flight attendant saying "Are you going to put your pajamas on, because you are going to sleep (here)." The flight attendant did not understand, but a Spanish-speaking crew member in line caught the comment and asked him to repeat it, which he did. The National Guards then proceeded to laugh and joke amongst themselves about the statement. The attendant reported the incident to the Captain, adding that she felt threatened as she had never experienced anything like this before by airport security. ¶3. (C) Although he knew it would delay departure, the Captain felt the flight attendant's concerns warranted a second security sweep of the aircraft. He also reported the incident to Delta Corporate Security, which notified the Embassy. Delta Operations Manager Liz Bello (strictly protect throughout) told Emboffs that she contacted Airport Security Supervisor Richard Medina as well as the head of the National Guard Detachment at the airport to report the incident verbally on September 15, adding that she waited until Monday because it is impossible to reach anyone over the weekend. She noted she would be sending both men a letter on September 16 documenting the incident. The National Guard promised to identify the offending guardsman and to warn him not to do this again. Ortega said she would confirm whether or not Delta had reported the incident to the TSA Principal Security Inspector (PSI). ¶4. (C) In an interview with Ortega, the aircraft Captain stated he felt this was likely an isolated incident. Ortega speculated it was just a young soldier's inappropriate attempt to joke with a flight attendant, but given the tense aviation situation between Venezuela and the U.S., Delta has temporarily increased its security measures. -------------- AMERICAN AND DELTA DISCUSS AIRPORT SECURITY -------------- ¶5. (C) The Delta representative confirmed reports from other air carriers about deficiencies in airport security, particularly at Caracas' Simon Bolivar (Maiquetia) International Airport. In an earlier meeting with American Airlines Director of Country Operations Ramon Jimenez (strictly protect throughout),Jimenez told Econoffs that the main deficiencies are personnel due to a lack of training, poor staff recruitment, lack of supervision and no follow through. ¶6. (C) Jimenez had worked with the Director of Airport security on a case by case basis until the airlines decided the deficiencies were such that they needed to act as a block. In January 2008, the major airlines with operations in Venezuela formed the Airport Operations Committee (AOC). The AOC now approaches the Airport Security Director collectively and as of July 22, had sent three letters pointing out security issues at the airport. The AOC copies INAC as well as the Venezuelan Airline Association (ALAV) on each of its letters. Jimenez noted the AOC has agreed that CARACAS 00001293 002.2 OF 002 all airlines would add x-ray machines and magnetometers to their gates for use prior to boarding. On September 16, Econoff learned that American is in the process of implementing these extra security measures. In spite of their best efforts, said Jimenez, the AOC has failed to obtain a meeting with the current INAC president to discuss airport security. Although Jimenez stated that he is comfortable with all AA has done to increase its security, these upgrades have come at great cost to the airline. ¶7. (C) Delta Operations Director Bello also noted AOC's failed attempts to resolve airport security issues, specifically in the area of National Guard treatment of baggage. All AOC member airlines, she stated, have formally complained that the Venezuelan National Guard insists on being the only ones present when they screen checked baggage; airport and airline security are not allowed to be present. The National Guard has justified this policy by claiming that if they find drugs in a bag, they have no way of knowing whether or not airport or airline security may have been involved in the incident, so it is better for the National Guard to handle such issues on its own. ¶8. (C) Bello said the airlines are working hard to resolve this issue and have sent a letter with their own statistics on the large number of flights the National Guard has delayed by its poor handling of baggage. Security Representative Ortega added "we have to do what the National Guard dictates to get our aircraft out." ¶9. (C) COMMENT: The incident between the Venezuelan National Guard and the Delta crew underlines the heightened sensitivities in the Venezuelan aviation sector. We have received no reports, however, of passenger difficulties with Venezuelan National Guard, immigration or customs authorities. The American and Delta reports of the failure of Venezuelan aviation authorities to respond to their concerns in the area of airport security mirror the Embassy's experience with non-responsive Venezuelan authorities. CAULFIELD