Domestic flight crackdown as terror scare sparks security blitz

Domestic plane passengers could soon face dramatically tougher security procedures, as the government moves to close gaps in our aviation security.

It comes a week on from the raids which unearthed two frightening terror plots, in Sydney.

Tonight police are still considering whether to charge one of those arrested.

The alleged plot to target an international flight is now set to impact all passengers, at all airports.

The Federal government is set to consider making last week's tightening of security permanent, and increase barriers at domestic terminals, similar to domestic airports in the US.

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This could extend to full-body scanning, allowing only passengers to go through to gates, as well as restrictions on liquids, and imposing photo ID checks.

However, none of these security measures would have stopped the recent alleged terror plan.

Dr John Coyne, of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said money spent on intelligence data analysis and international cooperation could be just as effective.

"If over time international airports become more secure, those who may be planning to undertake an attack may divert their attention to a domestic flight.

"A massive jump in security that provides a moderate increase in actual prevention or protection - the public are going to get very sick very fast."

However Dr Coyne argued that visible so-called "security theatre" would help make people feel safe and can deter potential plotters.

Proposals for tougher airport security could be considered by Federal cabinet as early as next week. On Friday the government would only confirm that security measures were under constant review.

The location of Surry Hills raids is just three doors down from the local Redfern mosque, and the raids are the talk of Friday prayers.

It was about this time last week that police took the third suspect Khaled Merhi into custody at his Surry Hills address.

He remained in detention Friday after days of being questioned by investigators and has not been charged.

A week on, police are still guarding and closely examining the properties.

Police making clear taking their time with this investigation, but that time is running out before they have to either charge him or release him.