Why do airport perimeters need sophisticated detection?

Mark Cosgrave, Divisional Director for Western Europe, OPTEX Security explores the need for more sophisticated detection and prevention within airport perimeter security systems.

The security breach earlier this year at Madrid-Barajas Airport, where individuals attempted to exploit passport control systems, highlights one of the many vulnerabilities in modern airport security infrastructure.

With the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) reporting an increase in incidents across European airports over the past five years, the industry faces multiple challenges.

The fundamental challenges confronting airport security operations are well-documented.

Traditional systems, whilst foundational, incur substantial installation and maintenance costs, often requiring complex civil engineering and groundworks, and in some cases, changes to the infrastructure layout.

This is particularly acute at the perimeter, where conventional security system deployment requires power distribution to multiple remote locations and purpose-built structures to house security equipment.

Airport perimeters are often exposed to environmental factors, such as changes in the weather and wildlife, which can trigger frequent false alarms that consume valuable resources and ultimately can lead to a loss of trust in the system.

An additional challenge is the integration of new security solutions with existing infrastructure which can present technical hurdles that need to be navigated in order for the system to work effectively.

Several airports around the world are addressing these challenges through the implementation of advanced intrusion detection technologies, with a particular focus on fibre optic sensing and LiDAR solutions.

Transforming airport security

One regional flying club in Southern Europe is facing the task of upgrading its security infrastructure in-line with national airport standards, and in order to achieve this, needed to address multiple challenges.

For instance, they needed to protect the large perimeter whilst being mindful and aware of urban developments located adjacent to the airport, manage increasing passenger and cargo volumes and meet stringent EU aviation standards.

Airport security modernisation projects serve as an instructive case study in implementing next-generation perimeter protection systems.

The solution centred on the adoption of an advanced fibre optic sensing system.

The OPTEX EchoPoint system’s implementation has several key advantages over traditional security infrastructure and is particularly well suited for protection of large perimeters, with the ability to provide point detection of +/- 6m in a range of up to 100km.

The versatility of the system’s installation options – including fence-mounted, underground and hybrid installations – provided the flexibility needed to address varying security requirements across different sections of the airport’s perimeter.

This adaptability proved particularly valuable in areas, such as gates, where the system can’t be fence-mounted or in areas where traditional security measures would have been impractical or cost-prohibitive due to large civil engineering works.

The system eliminates the need for power distribution along the perimeter, as the fibre optic cable requires no external power source.

This characteristic reduces both installation complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements.

The versatility of LiDAR

In addition to the fibre optic system, the versatility of LiDAR technology is such that it is being utilised in a variety of applications to perform multiple functions that go beyond perimeter protection.

LiDAR works by creating an invisible laser wall and provides accurate, ultra-fast detection of an object’s size and location, ensuring nothing gets past.

It is being used to protect vulnerable areas within the airport, including at checkpoints, where REDSCAN LiDAR sensors have been installed to provide precise monitoring and can alert of any intruders attempting to access the facility via unsupervised luggage check points.

The sensors are also being deployed within critical areas of the airport, including roofs and false ceilings around control rooms and server facilities, to enhance the protection of high-value assets.

The technology’s ability to work in complete darkness and distinguish between genuine and non-genuine threats has already helped to dramatically reduce false alarms.

Both LiDAR and fibre-based technologies provide enhanced environmental resistance, meaning their performance is not affected by changing and challenging environmental conditions.

The fibre optic system’s resilience to sea corrosion and harsh weather has maintained consistent performance levels, whilst security cameras mounted on existing buildings, integrated with the detection sensors, create a comprehensive security system.

Airports that require effective security upgrades need to address varying threat levels across different zones throughout the site – from passenger terminals to hangars – whilst maintaining reliable pre-alarm capabilities.

The integration of sophisticated detection technologies with the VMS establishes a seamless security infrastructure upgrade capable of responding to diverse challenges, from unauthorised perimeter approaches to protecting sensitive fuel storage areas.

Proof of concept

Cost-benefit analysis of these advanced detection solutions reveals compelling long-term advantages.

Whilst the initial investment in technology is significant, the reduced maintenance requirements, decreased false alarm rates and minimal infrastructure needs generate substantial operational savings.

The scalability of these systems has proven particularly valuable, as demonstrated by successful implementations at both regional facilities and major hubs.

There is a clear trend in airport security – the future lies not in augmenting traditional security layers but in implementing integrated technologies that enable a robust security system where automation enhances human decision-making.

The combination of fibre optic sensing and LiDAR reliable detection as part of the surveillance system creates an efficient and effective system, where security personnel can shift from lengthy routine monitoring to strategic threat assessment and response.

This evolution in approach to airport security technology and methodology represents a significant advancement in protecting critical aviation infrastructure, demonstrating that intelligent, integrated security systems relying on reliable early intrusion detection can effectively help to address current threats whilst providing scalability for future challenges.