Constituents have reached out to the MP over recent months, detailing instances where they felt degraded, humiliated, and stripped of their dignity during searches
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has arranged a meeting with high-ranking officials from Belfast International Airport in response to what she as described as “deeply concerning” accounts from constituents. These individuals have reported humiliating and invasive experiences during airport security checks related to their stoma bags.
A number of constituents have reached out to Ms. Lockhart over recent months, detailing instances where they felt degraded, humiliated, and stripped of their dignity during searches. These incidents mirror a widely circulated online account that has sparked national concern and raised serious questions about the treatment of passengers with medical needs at UK airports.
After persistent communication with airport management, senior executives have now agreed to travel from London for a meeting with Carla Lockhart and those affected in order to hear firsthand the impact of current procedures and to work towards lasting, respectful change.
Addressing the issue, Carla Lockhart MP stated: “My own Dad was a stoma patient, so I am deeply aware of the challenges individuals face daily, both physically and emotionally. A stoma is not just a medical condition; it is a life-changing adaptation that requires understanding, privacy, and compassion.
“To hear from constituents that they have been made to feel embarrassed, exposed, and disrespected while going through airport security is completely unacceptable. These are not isolated incidents, they reflect a wider lack of awareness and training that must urgently be addressed.
“The very idea that someone would consider cancelling travel plans or living in fear of flying because of how they might be treated at security is a damning indictment of the system as it stands.
“I welcome the decision from airport leaders to meet with me and those affected. It is vital that they hear directly from people who have lived this experience, only then can we drive forward meaningful change.
“This is not about pointing fingers; it’s about doing better. Every passenger, regardless of medical need, deserves to be treated with dignity, sensitivity, and respect. Airport management need to act. It is not the security team, it is the policies and procedures that need urgently reformed.
“I have also reached out to Belfast City Airport to ensure that learning and training needs are shared between both Airports.”
Carla Lockhart MP has confirmed her commitment to continue working with relevant stakeholders including advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure airport screening procedures across the UK adhere to best practice, are medically informed, and centred on compassion.
A spokesperson for Belfast International Airport expressed: “We regret that any of our passengers have had an upsetting experience while travelling through Belfast International Airport. We remain fully committed to ensuring all passengers can travel with comfort and dignity through the airport and will continue to regularly review our procedures and enhance staff training around managing sensitive situations.
“The UK Department For Transport (DfT) is responsible for setting the policy for aviation security for all UK Airports with advice from the Civil Aviation Authority. It is a legal requirement that all passengers, including those wearing stoma bags or medical devices, are subject to security screening and we fully comply with those regulations and procedures.
“On average every month at Belfast International Airport we provide special assistance to over 12,000 passengers with physical and hidden disabilities. Our Accessibility Forum is comprised of many different organisations who represent those passengers who require special assistance, and we have a community stoma nurse and a representative of the Urostomy Association on that forum who regularly provide us with information and suggestions to improve the passenger process and experience. Our security provider, Wilson James, also have a dedicated programme of ongoing disability training for our security teams including stoma awareness training.
“In August 2024 Belfast International Airport implemented Next Generation Screening Technology as directed by the UK Government DFT for all UK Airports. These new scanners can allow passengers to leave liquids and electronics in their hand luggage while all passengers, including disabled passengers and those with hidden disabilities, pass through a body scanner; unless they ask for or are offered an alternative screening process. Due to the nature of this technology, while it reduces the instances where a full hand search of passengers is required, it also means some passengers, including those with hidden disabilities, may set off an alarm which the security officer must address.
“CCTV is in place for the safety and security of passengers and staff and is disposed of in line with GDPR procedures.”
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