Airport bosses and police chiefs yesterday put up a wall of silence over what sparked a major security alert in Aberdeen.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from Aberdeen International Airport while police helped security staff search for a suspected suspicious package on Thursday.
It is understood an item was spotted in the alarm, causing concern.
The building was closed completely for about 15 minutes, and although several flights were delayed and 400 passengers had to go through security again, the drama ended without incident.
But yesterday, bosses refused to discuss what had caused the security alert – which at the time, they described as an “operational incident”.
The airport’s duty manager said there was nothing more he could say yesterday, while a police spokesman insisted it was not a matter for the force.
Last night politicians said that unless there was a genuine security reason for the silence, the public should be informed about what happened.
Kevin Stewart, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, said: “There may be real security reasons for not disclosing the information behind what happened with the security passage, but if there are not the authorities should be as open and transparent about what happened.”
Richard Baker, North East Labour MSP, said the public should be informed when appropriate.
He said: “There are always huge concerns for everyone involved when something like this happens.
“It is important that authorities take appropriate action when suspicious packages are found, and given the incident is over and package has been dealt, with I hope the public can be made aware in due course.
“To evacuate a building has a serious impact not just on journey times but also causes lots of anxiety.
“I know there will be a reason for the silence but I expect to be able to find out in due course.”
The Liberal Democrat’s justice spokeswoman and North East MSP Alison McInnes said the airport should reveal what was behind the incident.
She said: “The airport should be as transparent as it can be, and put the public’s mind at rest.”