Airports Safety: Current Measures And Future Challenges

In the wake of recent attempts to bring down airliners using incendiary devices, airports across the world have heightened security. However, Indiana University's Distinguished Professor Fred Cate argues that these efforts will do little to prevent future terror attacks. Cate points out systemic failures in anti-terrorism tactics, such as the case of a Nigerian man on a government watch list who was still able to board an international flight with the ingredients for an explosive device. While increased security measures may lead to delays, Cate encourages federal authorities to take bold, strategic steps to safeguard the vulnerable air travel network. With the challenge of securing over 450 airports and 28,000 daily flights, the question of how safe airports are right now remains a critical and complex issue.

Increased security causing delays

Increased security measures in airports can often lead to significant delays for departing passengers. This has been a common issue in many airports worldwide, including Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, where passengers have experienced lengthy delays due to heightened security protocols.

In 2015, the Department of Civil Aviation ordered the implementation of X-ray screening for all baggage, including checked and carry-on luggage, before passengers could enter the check-in area. This additional security measure immediately resulted in long queues and frustrated travellers. The limited number of X-ray machines available caused delays, with queues stretching from the check-in piers to the main terminal entrances.

Aviation officials have been warning travellers to arrive at the airport much earlier than usual to account for these delays. For instance, at Don Mueang Airport, domestic travellers were advised to arrive 2.5 hours in advance, while international travellers were recommended to arrive 3.5 hours early. This is a significant change from the previous requirements, where domestic passengers only needed to arrive one hour before their flight, and international passengers arrived two hours in advance.

Heightened security in airports is often a response to evolving safety concerns and threats. For example, following the arrest of a Nigerian man accused of attempting to detonate an explosive on a flight to Detroit, federal authorities have heightened security and placed investigators, security screeners, and airline officials on high alert. While these increased security measures aim to enhance safety, they can also result in delays and impact the travel experience.

While security enhancements are necessary to address emerging threats, it is crucial to balance safety measures with efficient processes to minimise delays. Airports must continuously evaluate their security protocols and invest in resources, technology, and personnel to ensure smooth and secure operations. This includes ensuring that, as suggested by Fred Cate, security measures are properly applied and that watch lists are up-to-date and accessible to the relevant agencies to prevent potential terrorist acts effectively.

Stringent security checks

Airports have implemented a series of stringent security checks to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. These measures aim to reduce the risk of viral transmission and protect everyone passing through the airport.

Firstly, passengers are encouraged to wear face masks, and all airport agents and staff are required to do so. This simple measure helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, passengers are instructed to hold their boarding passes while scanning them and then hold them out for inspection. This reduces the need for TSA officers to handle passengers' documents, minimizing potential cross-contamination.

Furthermore, passengers are advised to store items like belts and watches in their suitcases instead of placing them in the bins, as the bins are often a source of contamination. Social distancing is also enforced in the security lines, with visual reminders on checkpoint floors and staggered lane usage to maintain adequate spacing between individuals.

The TSA has also relaxed its strict rules regarding liquids, now allowing passengers to carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer, which is essential for personal disinfection and hygiene.

For staff, protective measures include the provision of disposable gloves, surgical masks, uniform caps, goggles, and protective suits. Screening staff are required to wear gloves and regularly disinfect their hands with alcohol-based or hydrogen peroxide-based hand sanitizers. They also conduct routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and security equipment, including trays and baggage areas.

These comprehensive security checks and protective measures ensure that airports are doing their utmost to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone passing through.

Terrorist attacks

Airports have always been an attractive target for terrorists due to their importance to the global economy and the opportunity to inflict mass casualties. Terrorist attacks on airports can take many forms, including bombings, hijackings, and shootings.

To prevent such attacks, officials are constantly working to improve airport security worldwide. This includes increasing the security of airport workers and passengers, conducting risk assessments, sharing information, and improving collaboration between airport personnel, law enforcement, and local government agencies. Additionally, new technologies such as biometrics and remote bag drop facilities are being implemented to enhance security and improve the passenger experience.

In the United States, the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks has led to significant enhancements in airport security. The TSA has implemented measures such as 100% checked baggage screening, reinforced cockpit doors, and the deployment of explosives detection systems.

While it is impossible to predict all possible terrorist attack scenarios, continuous efforts are being made to strengthen airport security and protect against potential threats.

Government watch lists

In the interest of safety, the US government maintains a No Fly List, which is a subset of the Terrorist Screening Database (also known as the Terrorist Watch List). This list is comprised of individuals who are known or suspected terrorists and are prevented from boarding flights within, to, from, or over the United States. The list is maintained by the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center and is used by the TSA and other government agencies to screen individuals.

The No Fly List was created after the September 11 attacks of 2001, along with the Selectee List and the Terrorist Watch List, by the George W. Bush administration. The number of people on the list fluctuates based on threat levels and intelligence reporting, with approximately 16,000 names in 2011, 21,000 in 2012, and 47,000 in 2013. The list has been criticised for its potential for ethnic, religious, economic, political, and racial profiling, as well as concerns about privacy and government secrecy.

The process of being placed on the watch list involves a nomination by an agent from the FBI, NSA, or other federal agencies. The nomination then moves to the FBI's Terrorist Review and Examination Unit, and if the individual is deemed a known or potential terrorist, their name is added to the Terrorist Screening Center's watch list. While the government does not disclose the specific criteria for inclusion, having a criminal record for terrorist-related activities or known associations with terrorist organisations are likely factors. Additionally, active membership in certain extremist groups could also lead to being placed on the list.

Being on the watch list does not necessarily mean that an individual is prohibited from flying, but they will likely be subjected to additional security screenings at airports. To find out if they are on the list, individuals can attempt to book a flight, as the Transportation Security Administration will automatically flag anyone with a name on the Terrorist Screening Center's master list.

It is important to note that having the same name as someone on the watch list can also lead to travel inconveniences. In such cases, individuals can file a redress complaint with the relevant federal agency, such as the Department of Homeland Security's redress program for issues at airports. The redress process involves evaluating the necessary changes and can result in a lowered security level or removal from the list. However, it is not always effective, and individuals may still face challenges when travelling.

Travel restrictions

While air travel is statistically very safe, there are still travel restrictions in place at airports around the world.

In the US, the CDC advises that travelling within the country is safe for fully vaccinated people, but the agency still urges against non-essential trips, and advises travellers to take precautions such as wearing a mask and avoiding crowds. For unvaccinated people, the CDC recommends staying at home as the best way to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

International travel is also subject to various restrictions. In May 2023, it was reported that international travel was practically off-limits for most Americans. Each US state had adopted its own requirements for incoming visitors, including quarantining, negative Covid-19 tests, and other forms and applications.

Similar restrictions are in place around the world. For example, in the UK, the government recommends that people do not travel to certain countries, and has a 'red list' of countries from which travellers must quarantine in a hotel on their return.

In addition to Covid-19 restrictions, there are other factors that may restrict travel. For example, in 2020 it was announced that US citizens would need a passport or other form of identification to fly domestically, as part of the REAL ID plan.

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