Ruth Haines
Airport security has been a significant concern for governments worldwide, with agencies like the TSA in the US, CATSA in Canada, and the Australian Federal Police implementing various measures to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft. The effectiveness of these measures is often debated, with critics arguing that they provide a false sense of security and may even violate personal rights. However, incidents like the terror plot involving liquid explosives in the UK, Canada, and the US in 2006, and the 2016 attack on Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, have led to tighter restrictions and increased security checks. These include the use of advanced technology for baggage screening, explosive detection machines, biometric access control systems, and risk-based passenger pre-screening programs. While some argue that such measures are necessary to prevent terrorism and protect national security, others question their impact on deterring terrorist attacks and suggest that they may even shift the target of such attacks. The challenge lies in balancing security with efficient travel, as evident in the debate around adding security checkpoints at major airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Explosives detection | X-ray machines, explosives trace-detection portal machines, gas chromatography, computed tomography, walk-through body scanning, machine learning techniques |
| Restricted areas | SIDA (Security Identification Display Area) with access control gates or passive systems that monitor movement and sound alerts |
| Staff training | Flight attendants are trained to engage in aggressive combat with terrorists |
| Screening technology | TSA PreCheck® allows expedited screening without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets |
| Law enforcement | Undercover police officers, police dog services for explosive and drug detection |
| Biometric access control | CATSA's Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) program uses fingerprints and iris scans |
| Information sharing | TSA works with intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information |
| Public protection | Installing fencing, walls, and buildings to block inadvertent entry to aircraft movement areas |
| Secure cockpit doors | Making it more difficult for terrorists to overtake pilots |
| Passenger cooperation | Encouraging passengers to fight back during a terror attack and report suspicious activities |
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What You'll Learn
Screening passengers and baggage
Screening passengers and their baggage is a critical aspect of ensuring airport safety. This process involves checking passengers and their belongings for prohibited items, explosives, and other security threats. Over the years, various measures have been implemented to enhance the effectiveness of these screenings.
One key measure is the use of advanced technology for screening. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States employs metal detectors, millimeter wave machines, and cabinet X-ray machines to screen passengers and their carry-on items. These machines can detect metallic objects, identify hidden items, and scan for prohibited items such as weapons, chemicals, and liquids. Additionally, explosive detection machines, including X-ray and explosives trace-detection portal machines ("puffer machines"), are used to ensure the safety of both carry-on and checked baggage. These machines utilize gas chromatography to detect volatile compounds associated with explosives.
To respect passengers' privacy, the TSA is also working on new scanning machines that can effectively identify prohibited items without depicting passengers in a state of undress. These machines may incorporate computed tomography and walk-through body scanning (Thz radiation) technologies. Furthermore, the use of artificial intelligence systems is being explored to enhance security and efficiency. For instance, AI can be utilized for translation services and to reduce the time airplanes spend at the gate by monitoring and analyzing activities after landing.
In addition to technology, risk-based passenger pre-screening programs, such as Secure Flight, play a crucial role in airport security. These programs identify low and high-risk passengers before their arrival at the airport by cross-referencing their names with trusted traveler lists and watchlists. This allows security personnel to focus their efforts on individuals who may pose a higher security risk.
Another measure to enhance screening effectiveness is the implementation of specific guidelines and procedures. For instance, passengers flying into the United States from certain airports may undergo a more extensive screening process, including additional checks of personal electronic devices. Similarly, passengers with powder-like substances exceeding a certain quantity may be required to place them in checked baggage, and these powders may undergo secondary screening to ensure safety. Moreover, programs like TSA PreCheck® allow low-risk passengers to expedite their security screening without removing certain items, such as shoes, laptops, and light jackets.
To ensure the safety of checked baggage, various monitoring methods are employed, including CCTV. Additionally, baggage locks have been introduced, which can be unlocked by TSA officers to inspect baggage without cutting the locks. This prevents the need for lock removal and enhances security.
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Securing restricted areas
To control access to restricted areas, airports can use physical access control gates or more passive systems that monitor people moving through restricted areas and sound an alert if a restricted area is entered. An example of the latter is the Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) program, which is a dual biometric access control system that uses fingerprints and iris scans to identify individuals.
In addition to access control, airports can also implement measures to prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas. For example, fencing, walls, and buildings can be used to block inadvertent entry to aircraft movement areas. Fences should be chain-link or an equivalent type of material that is tight to the ground and impassable by people and animals. Gates in the fence can be locked or controlled to restrict their opening to authorized personnel only.
Furthermore, airports can work closely with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to share information and implement additional security measures as needed. For example, the TSA in the United States uses unpredictable security measures throughout airports and has implemented a risk-based passenger pre-screening program that identifies low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport.
By combining access control, prevention measures, and close collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, airports can better secure their restricted areas and improve overall safety.
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Using explosive detection technology
Airports can be made safer by using explosive detection technology. This technology is designed to quickly collect samples and then assess if an explosive is present. If explosives are detected, the technology will also identify the specific type or types being analysed.
One example of explosive detection technology is the Next Generation Explosives Trace Detection (NextGen ETD) program. This technology can quickly and accurately collect and analyse samples in a variety of ways, including from direct contact with the subject. NextGen ETD has adapted its detection methods to address emerging security needs at airports and other points of entry.
Another example is bottled liquid scanners, which are used at airport checkpoints to differentiate liquid explosives from common, benign liquids. This technology is particularly important following the uncovering of a terror plot in 2006 aimed at detonating liquid explosives on flights.
Additionally, TSA uses explosives trace detection technology to screen passengers and their belongings for trace amounts of explosive residue. Officers may swab a piece of carry-on or checked baggage or a passenger's hands and then place the swab inside the detection unit to analyse it for the presence of potential explosive residue.
Furthermore, TSA deploys explosives detection systems (EDS) and explosives trace detection (ETD) machines to screen all checked baggage transported by U.S. and foreign air carriers departing from U.S. commercial airports. EDS machines use computed tomography (CT) technology to automatically measure the physical characteristics of objects in baggage and trigger an alarm when objects with the characteristics of explosives are detected. ETD machines, on the other hand, are used to chemically analyse trace materials after a human operator swabs checked baggage to identify any traces of explosive material.
In conclusion, the use of explosive detection technology plays a crucial role in enhancing airport security and protecting passengers, crew, and aircraft from potential explosive threats. These technologies are constantly evolving to meet the changing security needs and ensure the safety of air travel.
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Training flight attendants to handle terrorists
In the United States, Title 49 of the United States Code, Section 44918, requires air carriers to develop and deliver a basic security training program for flight and cabin crew members. This includes training on how to handle potential threat conditions, such as a hijacking attempt. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for monitoring and periodically reviewing these training programs to ensure they are effective.
Despite these requirements, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of anti-terrorism training for flight attendants. In the years following the September 11, 2001 attacks, flight attendants complained about a lack of meaningful anti-terrorist security training. They argued that they needed vital training to protect themselves and their passengers in the event of another attack.
To address these concerns, TSA has developed an advanced voluntary self-defence training program for flight and cabin crew members. In creating this program, TSA consulted with various experts, including law enforcement, the Federal Air Marshal Service, air carriers, and crew member labor organizations. The course was piloted in five cities and refined based on participant feedback, with a focus on increasing hands-on training and reducing lecture time.
However, participation in the advanced voluntary self-defence training program has been relatively low, with only 39% of capacity attended during the first seven months. This may be due in part to the costs and time commitment required of crew members, as they must attend the training on their own time and cover expenses for travel, lodging, and meals.
As a result of these challenges, there have been calls for better planning and internal controls in the implementation of security training programs. This includes providing clearer guidance, targeting training to specific job functions, and ensuring that performance measures are in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in improving crew members' competency in self-defence tactics.
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Improving airport infrastructure
Firstly, airports should focus on restricting access to sensitive areas. A Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) system can be employed, which requires special qualifications or access badges for entry. This helps monitor and control the movement of individuals in restricted areas, ensuring only authorized personnel are granted access. Biometric access control systems, such as the Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) program, can also be utilized. These systems use fingerprints and iris scans to verify the identity of individuals before granting access to restricted areas.
Secondly, efficient screening processes are vital. Airports should invest in advanced baggage screening technology, including X-ray machines, explosives trace-detection portal machines, and gas chromatography equipment to detect volatile compounds associated with explosives. TSA PreCheck® programs can also expedite security checks by allowing passengers to keep their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets on during screening. Additionally, risk-based passenger pre-screening programs, such as Secure Flight, can identify potential threats before passengers arrive at the airport by cross-referencing watchlists and trusted traveler lists.
Furthermore, the use of advanced technology can significantly enhance airport safety. Artificial intelligence systems can be employed for translation services and to reduce aircraft time at the gate, improving operational efficiency. Machine learning techniques can also automate explosive detection, and new scanning machines can effectively identify prohibited items without depicting passengers in a state of undress, addressing privacy concerns.
To ensure the effectiveness of these measures, adequate staffing and resources are essential. Budgetary considerations play a crucial role in maintaining a sufficient number of screeners and security personnel. Additionally, collaboration between airports, local law enforcement agencies, and organizations like the TSA is vital to sharing intelligence and adapting security procedures to evolving threats.
By implementing these infrastructure improvements, airports can significantly enhance safety and security for passengers, staff, and aircraft.
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Frequently asked questions
Airports can implement security measures such as explosive detection machines, X-ray machines, and machine learning techniques to identify potential threats. Additionally, the use of access control systems, restricted areas, and improved staff training can enhance security.
Airports can adopt technologies like computed tomography and walk-through body scanning to speed up security checks. Implementing trusted traveler programs can also streamline screening by focusing on individuals who pose a higher risk.
Challenges include limited space and staffing for additional checkpoints, budgetary constraints, and balancing security with efficient travel experiences. Airports can explore non-monetary solutions, such as spreading security checks over a wider area to reduce crowding and waiting times.
Organizations like the TSA, FAA, CBP, and local law enforcement agencies collaborate to ensure airport security. The TSA focuses on passenger and baggage screening, while the FAA provides safety regulations and guidance. Local law enforcement shares intelligence and responds to suspicious activities reported by the public.
