The threat could not be taken lightly. In an anonymous letter sent to France 3, Friday, November 17 in the morning, “environmental activists” announced that they had placed explosives in the Caen-Carpiquet airport, with the avowed intention of detonating them at midday. The site was quickly cordoned off, time to inspect the approximately 220 hectares. No bomb, but “rubbish on the runway” and a “Stop plane” tag,” confirms Maryline Haize-Hagron, director of Carpiquet and Deauville airports.
More fear than harm, therefore despite the big hassle for around 600 passengers planned on the day’s flights, postponed or canceled. But beyond the logistical annoyance, questions arise about the security of the largest Normandy airport (80% of regional air traffic). By accessing the runway, the activists “put people’s lives in danger as well as their own because if the airport is closed at night, planes can still land there,” explains Maryline Haize-Hagron.
For example, French-speaking private pilots can operate the automatic marking system. Medical flights can also arrive at night. However, the track must be perfectly clear. “Plane crashes due to little things on the runway have happened before. It was a metal part that was responsible for the Concorde accident,” recalls the director, alarmed by this trash placed on the tarmac on Friday.
“Preventing intrusions 100% is complicated”
To get this far, the intruders managed to penetrate the site. Maryline Haize-Hagron admits: “It’s like a burglary. You may have over-secured your home, but when people, driven by their commitment, want to do harm, they can succeed. It’s complicated to ensure 100% security against intrusions.” She immediately stresses that the material security of the planes and on board is maximum.
The airport prefers to remain discreet about its protection measures. Its director talks about “managing a critical business with a critical environment”. After the intrusion on Friday, November 17, “work was initiated with the authorities to redefine future operating methods,” she adds. The Calvados prefecture did not respond to our requests. A police investigation is underway to try to identify the perpetrators.
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