Issac Yeffet, who once headed up security for Israel's El Al airlines, blasted politicians for relying on technology.
Yeffet, who now runs a security consultancy in the United States, told QMI Agency that more should be done to deal with each passenger on an individual level.
"Out of the millions, I am looking for the one that wants to blow up an airplane," Yeffet told QMI Agency from New York. "How will I know if it is you if I don't interview you?" Yeffet helped build an interview-based system of security for El Al that has earned it a reputation as the world's most secure airline.
"When you do a body scan, immediately you will have enemies," said Yeffet, noting that some travellers will oppose scans based on privacy, others, including Muslim, travellers may cite modesty.
Yeffet said that news of Canada's airlines not completely enforcing a requirement to screen all passengers was disturbing. He said Muslim women should have no objection to showing their faces and answering questions if it is handled properly.
"Employees need to know how to approach passengers so that they know the questions they are being asked are for their own safety," said Yeffet.
As for Canada's system of baggage checks, body scanners, shoe removal and putting hand cream in baggies, Yeffet is dismissive.
"We have the illusion of security," he said.
Members of the Commons public safety committee will meet Tuesday morning to discuss reports from QMI Agency showing that airlines were not requiring veiled or burka-clad women to show their faces.
Yeffet's message to the committee is that their review should be much broader.
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