Enhancing security and safety measures at airports

Security systems at airports process more than 4.5 billion passengers each year at international airports worldwide, writes Philip Ingram MBE.

Security operations at international airports combine cutting-edge technology with trained personnel and standardised procedures that protect travellers and aviation infrastructure from emerging threats.

Global transportation safety depends on modern airport security systems that adapt continuously to meet new challenges and an ever-evolving threat landscape.

Recent airport security innovations emphasise improved screening processes and risk-based approaches. Advanced imaging technology, automated screening systems and AI applications now detect threats more effectively.

These technological advances work among traditional security protocols and create multiple protective layers that align with ICAO Standards to maintain smooth passenger movement through terminals.

Risk-based security (RBS) marks a major change from traditional airport security methods and provides a way to balance competing priorities while maintaining strong protection.

This intelligence-driven approach has changed airport security from a uniform system to a more precise one that distributes resources according to risk levels and often comes under the framework of Security Risk Management (SRM).

The RBS framework has several connected components: Pre-screening and up-to-the-minute threat assessment; identity verification and credentialing; separate screening at checkpoints; system monitoring and adjustment.

Airports use this organised approach to process speed up screening each day. Their focus remains on measurable metrics that include threat detection probability, process efficiency and passenger flow rates.

In the US, TSA PreCheck stands out as a modern pre-screening system that operates at about 200 airports and has over 600 application centres across the whole country.

The program assesses passenger risks before they arrive at airports and helps allocate resources in the quickest way possible.

Its impact on wait times shows the most important improvements – PreCheck lanes take only 2.4 minutes compared to 8.9 minutes in regular screening lanes, according to Transport Security International.

Innovative technologies

Modern airport security depends on advanced screening technologies that boost threat detection and keep passenger flow efficient.

Computer tomography (CT) scanning marks an important breakthrough in baggage screening. The technology creates detailed 3D images and lets operators examine items from multiple angles.

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) has transformed passenger screening with its sophisticated body scanning capabilities. These systems employ millimetre wave technology to detect potential threats hidden under clothing.

The technology works exceptionally well, as TSA shows that CT scanner deployment has reduced false alarms by 25%, according to Dr. Sasidharan Murugan, Assistant Professor at CK College of Engineering & Technology.

This advancement allows passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their bags and substantially reduces screening time while minimising contact points.

The Next Generation Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) program also brings sophisticated detection capabilities that identify microscopic explosive particles.

The program offers several substantial improvements: Better sensitivity to detect emerging threats; non-contact sampling capabilities; through-barrier detection technology; up-to-the-minute data analysis with expanded threat libraries

Mass spectrometry-based systems boost detection accuracy substantially, while ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) provides the foundation for contact sampling devices.

Behavioural analysis plays a vital role alongside technological screening measures by identifying suspicious indicators through human observation.

This non-discriminatory approach looks at behavioural patterns instead of demographic factors. Security personnel learn to spot deviations from behaviours while they maintain a customer service approach.

Digital evolution

Aviation’s digital evolution has opened new frontiers in airport security. According to Techforce, “Cyber-attacks against aviation targets increased by 24% worldwide during 2023’s first half.”

Modern digitisation has improved operational efficiency but created unprecedented challenges to protect aviation’s infrastructure.

Aviation’s digital world covers multiple interconnected systems that remain vulnerable to cyber-threats.

Cyber-criminals have increased ransomware attacks on supply chain players by 600% since the previous year. Infrastructure protection focuses on: Air traffic control networks; baggage handling systems; security screening systems; airport operations networks and communication systems.

The aviation sector also faces unique data privacy challenges as more than 160 countries have implemented data protection laws.

Multiple regulations apply to passenger itineraries simultaneously, which creates complex compliance requirements for airlines and airports.

Moreover, sophisticated cyber-threats target critical components of aircraft systems.

Security researchers have found vulnerabilities in commercial aircraft SATCOM systems, which shows the need to boost protection.

Modern aviation security now uses multi-layered defence strategies that combine AI and machine learning to detect threats.

Aviation’s cybersecurity strategy focuses on risk management through detailed security frameworks.

Regular system updates, patch management strategies and vendor risk assessments help address software vulnerabilities that cyber-criminals could exploit. AI systems provide 24/7 monitoring of potential disruptions and quickly detect and respond to new threats.

Personnel

Airport security systems rely on the human factor and personnel training and performance directly affects outcomes (International Airport Review). Airport security training includes complete certification requirements and continuous education.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) created standardised training protocols that focus on: Threat identification and response procedures; advanced screening technology operation; emergency situation management; behavioural analysis techniques and regulatory compliance requirements.

Security personnel who complete standardised programs show a 72% improvement in their threat detection capabilities. Additionally, AI integration with human operators has revolutionised screening processes.

Security personnel who use AI-assisted screening systems can detect prohibited items 25% faster and more accurately. The optimal performance levels become harder to maintain when screening sessions run longer.

Airport security requires an integrated approach to manage insider threats. The complex challenges emerge from hundreds or thousands of personnel working at airports.

Several important strategies help mitigate these risks; background checks and pre-employment screening works effectively. This identifies potential risks in about 19% of all applications.

Organisations with detailed insider threat programs report 65% better early detection of suspicious behaviour.

Today’s airport security combines state-of-the-art technology with informed processes and human expertise.

Advanced screening technologies and risk-based security approaches have changed how airports handle security protocols.

Airports now process billions of passengers each year and maintain resilient threat detection capabilities through multiple security layers.