Passengers flying on small commuter planes will be screened and security staff employed under proposals to strengthen security at the country's regional airports.

The proposals are outlined in a confidential briefing paper due to go to cabinet tomorrow and ordered after the attempted hijacking of an Eagle Airways flight from Blenheim to Christchurch on February 8....

...Security staff are also likely to be deployed to regional airports to screen passengers before boarding and to conduct random bag searches.

A limit is also likely to be placed on the amount of luggage passengers can take on board, but it is understood hand luggage will not be x-rayed....