HCMC airport security official suspended for allowing knife through to plane

He has been suspended indefinitely, airport authorities said.

The man, who has 13 years' experience, had failed to detect the knife hidden in the luggage, they said.

Tan Son Nhat is experiencing one of its peak periods, receiving over 700 flights and around 100,000 passengers a day, putting a huge burden on security personnel, they said.

Security personnel face fines of up to VND3 million (US$128) for letting a "dangerous object" get on a flight, but could even have their licenses revoked for certain mistakes.

An elderly woman was found cutting fruits with a 20-centimeter knife aboard an aircraft that took off from Tan Son Nhat. The knife was confiscated by crew.

Knives over 10 cm long or with blades over 6 cm long are banned on flights, and passengers could be fined up to VND10 million for carrying one.