Sep 16, 2022

The evolution of airport security and the threats that drive it

Publications:

In 2022, we are finally seeing a resurgence in worldwide travel since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The TSA has screened more passengers this year than during the past two years combined, but we have still yet to return to pre-pandemic passenger levels. Despite this, we see significant delays, cancellations, and other disruptions. This is worrying for both passengers and airlines alike as passenger numbers continue to rise and put further pressure on short-staffed airlines and airports.

In line with the old adage, “necessity is the mother of invention,” innovation and widespread acceptance of advances in passenger screening have historically been driven in large part by major events, tragedies, and security challenges. Some of these include the “shoe bomber” who attempted to detonate a bomb that was hidden in a shoe in 2001, the “underwear bomber” who attempted to detonate plastic explosives hidden in his underwear in 1999, and of course, the historically tragic hijackings that took place on September 11, 2001. Read more…