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[[File:VTBS-luggage screening.JPG|thumb|250px|Baggage screening monitoring at [[Bangkok]] [[Suvarnabhumi Airport]]]]
[[File:4faces.jpg|thumb|250px|A demonstrative image for "[[Project Hostile Intent]]"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1217866480159.shtm |title=S&T Snapshots – Human Factors: Deception Detection |publisher=Department of Homeland Security |date=July 27, 2009 |accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref>]]
'''Airport security''' refers to the techniques and methods used in an attempt to protect passengers, staff and planes which use the [[airport]]s from accidental/malicious harm, crime and other threats.

Aviation security is a combination of human and material resources to safeguard civil aviation against unlawful interference. Unlawful interference could be acts of terrorism, sabotage, threat to life and property, communication of false threat, bombing etc.

==Description==
Large numbers of people pass through airports every day. This presents potential targets for terrorism and other forms of crime because of the number of people located in one place.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rimmer |first=David |url=http://aviation.about.com/od/Terrorism/f/Does-Heightened-Airport-Security-Make-Us-Safer.htm |title=Does Heightened Airport Security Make Us Safer? |publisher=Aviation.about.com |date= |accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref> Similarly, the high concentration of people on large [[airliner]]s, the potential high death rate with attacks on aircraft, and the ability to use a hijacked airplane as a lethal weapon may provide an alluring target for terrorism.

Airport security attempts to prevent any threats or potentially dangerous situations from arising or entering the country. If airport security does succeed then the chances of any dangerous situation, illegal items or threats entering into an aircraft, country or airport are greatly reduced. As such, airport security serves several purposes: To protect the airport and country from any threatening events, to reassure the traveling public that they are safe and to protect the country and their people.

Monte R. Belger of the U.S. [[Federal Aviation Administration]] notes "The goal of aviation security is to prevent harm to aircraft, passengers, and crew, as well as support [[national security]] and [[counter-terrorism]] policy."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iwar.org.uk/comsec/resources/senate-biometrics/te111401st-belger.htm|title=Statement of Monte R. Belger, Acting Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, Before the Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, and Government Information, on Security Technology, United States Senate, November 14, 2001. |accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref>

==Airport enforcement authority==
[[File:Security screening selectee.jpg|thumb|TSA passenger screening]]
While some countries may have an agency that protects all of their airports (such as [[Australia]], in which the [[Australian Federal Police]] polices the airport),<ref>[http://www.afp.gov.au/national/airport_security.html AFP.gov.au] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724153004/http://www.afp.gov.au/national/airport_security.html |date=July 24, 2008 }}</ref> in other countries the protection is controlled at the state or local level. The primary personnel will vary and can include:
*A [[police]] force hired and dedicated to the airport e.g. the Irish [[Airport Police (Ireland)|Airport Police Service]]
*A branch ([[police substation|substation]]) of the local police department stationed at the airport
*Members of the local police department assigned to the airport as their normal patrol area
*Members of a country's airport protection service
*[[Police dog]] services for [[explosive detection]], [[recreational drug use|drug]] detection and other purposes

Other resources may include:
*[[Security guards]]
*[[Paramilitary]] forces
*[[Military]] forces

==Process and equipment==
[[File:TSA- How It Works.ogv|thumb|How advanced imaging technology works at the TSA]]
Some incidents have been the result of travelers carrying either [[weapon]]s or items that could be used as weapons on board [[aircraft]] so that they can [[aircraft hijacking|hijack]] the plane. Travelers are screened by ''[[metal detector]]s''. [[Explosive detection]] machines used include [[X-ray machine]]s and [[explosives trace-detection portal machine]]s (a.k.a. "puffer machines"). In the United States the TSA is working on new scanning machines that are still effective searching for objects that aren't allowed in the airplanes but that don't depict the passengers in a state of undress that some find embarrassing. Explosive detection machines can also be used for both carry-on and checked baggage. These detect volatile compounds given off from explosives using gas [[chromatography]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Staples |first=Edward J. |url=http://www.aip.org/tip/INPHFA/vol-10/iss-3/p22.html |title=The Industrial Physicist — Safeguarding ports with chemical profiling |publisher=American Institute of Physics |date=2001-09-11 |accessdate=October 26, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103084643/http://www.aip.org/tip/INPHFA/vol-10/iss-3/p22.html |archivedate=November 3, 2011 }}</ref>

A recent development is the controversial use of [[backscatter X-ray]]s to detect hidden weapons and explosives on passengers. These devices, which use [[Compton scattering]], require that the passenger stand close to a flat panel and produce a high resolution image.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rapiscansystems.com/sec1000.html |title=Rapiscan Secure 1000 |publisher=Rapiscansystems.com |date= |accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref> A technology released in Israel in early 2008 allows passengers to pass through metal detectors without removing their [[shoes]], a process required as walk-through gate detectors are not reliable in detecting metal in shoes or on the lower body extremities. Alternately, the passengers step fully shoed onto a device which scans in under 1.2 seconds for objects as small as a razor blade.<ref>[http://www.israel21c.org/bin/en.jsp?enPage=BlankPage&enDisplay=view&enDispWhat=object&enDispWho=Articles%5El823&enZone=Technology&enVersion=0]{{Dead link|date=August 2010}}</ref>
In some countries, specially trained individuals may engage passengers in a conversation to detect threats rather than solely relying on equipment to find threats.

A single backscatter scan exposes the target to between 0.05 and 0.1 [[microsievert]] of radiation. In comparison, the exposure from a standard [[chest x-ray]] is almost 100 times higher.<ref>[http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/780523 Radiation Exposure Negligible From Airport Security Scans] – Medscape Medical News from the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2013. By Pam Harrison. Mar 08, 2013</ref>

Generally people are screened through airport security into areas where the exit gates to the aircraft are located. These areas are often called "secure", "sterile" and [[airside (airport)|airside]]. Passengers are discharged from airliners into the sterile area so that they usually will not have to be re-screened if disembarking from a domestic flight; however they are still subject to search at any time. Airport food outlets have started using plastic glasses and utensils as opposed to glasses made out of glass and utensils made out of metal to reduce the usefulness of such items as weapons.

In the United States non-passengers were once allowed on the concourses to meet arriving friends or relatives at their gates, but this is now greatly restricted due to the [[September 11 attacks|terrorist attacks]]. Non-passengers must obtain a gate pass to enter the secure area of the airport. The most common reasons that a non-passenger may obtain a gate pass is to assist children and the elderly as well as for attending business meetings that take place in the secure area of the airport. In the United States, at least 24 hours notice is generally required for those planning to attend a business meeting inside the secure area of the airport.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}} Other countries, such as Australia do not restrict non-travellers from accessing the airside area, however non-travellers are typically subject to the same security scans as travellers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au/domestic/screening/passenger_screening.aspx |title=Passenger Screening |publisher=Australian Government Department of Infrastructure and Transport |date=2011-07-22 |accessdate=October 26, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009152834/http://travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au/domestic/screening/passenger_screening.aspx |archivedate=October 9, 2011 |df= }}</ref>

Sensitive areas in airports, including airport ramps and operational spaces, are restricted from the general public. Called a SIDA ([[Security Identification Display Area]]), these spaces require special qualifications to enter. Systems can consist of physical access control gates or more passive systems that monitor people moving through restricted areas and sound an alert if an restricted area is entered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hrsid.com/markets/aviation/mflow-exit-lanes|title=MFlow – Queue Measurement & Passenger Validation for Airports|first=Human Recognition|last=Systems|publisher=}}</ref>

Throughout the world, there have been a few dozen airports that have instituted a version of a "trusted traveler program". Proponents argue that security screening can be made more efficient by detecting those people who are threats and then searching them. They argue that searching trusted, verified individuals should not take the amount of time it does. Critics argue that such programs decrease security by providing an easier path to carry contraband through.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schneier |first=Bruce |url=http://www.schneier.com/essay-051.html |title=An Easy Path for Terrorists |publisher=Boston Globe |date=August 24, 2004 |accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://outreach.lib.uic.edu/www/issues/issue7_10/chakrabarti/index.html Chakrabarti and Strauss&nbsp;— Carnival Booth: An Algorithm for Defeating the Computer-Assisted Passenger Screening System] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219141121/http://outreach.lib.uic.edu/www/issues/issue7_10/chakrabarti/index.html |date=2012-02-19 }}</ref>

Another critical security measure used by several regional and international airports is that of fiber optic perimeter intrusion detection systems. These security systems allow airport security to locate and detect any intrusion on the airport perimeter, ensuring real-time, immediate intrusion notification that allows security personnel to assess the threat and track movement and engage necessary security procedures. This has notably been utilised at Dulles International Airport<ref name="Adesta Selected to Provide Security Systems for Washington Dulles International Airport">[http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/61058/ Adesta Selected to Provide Security Systems for Washington Dulles International Airport], Newswire. Retrieved 2009-23-11.</ref><ref name="Dulles Airport being fitted with fiber intrusion detection">[http://www.prosecurityzone.com/Customisation/News/Alarms/Intruder_alarms/Dulles_Airport_being_fitted_with_fibre_intrusion_detection.asp Dulles Airport being fitted with fiber intrusion detection]{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Pro Security Zone. Retrieved 2009-25-11.</ref> and U.S. Military JFPASS.<ref name="Future Fibre Technologies Named Exclusive Provider of Fence-Mounted Perimeter Security for JFPASS">[http://www.airport-technology.com/contractors/access/fft/press10.html Future Fibre Technologies Named Exclusive Provider of Fence-Mounted Perimeter Security for JFPASS], Airport Technology. Retrieved 2009-31-08.</ref>

==Notable incidents==
The world's first [[terrorist attack]] while in flight was [[Cubana Flight 455]] on October 6, 1976, when the airliner flying from [[Barbados]] to [[Jamaica]] was brought down by two [[time bomb]]s, killing 73 people. Evidence implicated several [[Central Intelligence Agency]]-linked [[opposition to Fidel Castro|anti-Castro]] [[Cuban exiles]] and members of the [[Venezuela]]n [[secret police]] [[Dirección de los Servicios de Inteligencia y Prevención|DISIP]], including [[Luis Posada Carriles]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}

The single deadliest airline catastrophe resulting from the failure of airport security to detect an onboard bomb was [[Air India Flight 182]] in 1985, which killed 329 people.

Another onboard bomb that slipped through airport security was the one on [[Pan Am Flight 103]] in 1988, which killed 270 people; 259 on the plane, and 11 residents of [[Lockerbie, Scotland]].

Another notable failure was the 1994 bombing of [[Philippine Airlines]] [[Philippine Airlines Flight 434|Flight 434]], which turned out to be a test run for a planned terrorist attack called [[Operation Bojinka]]. The explosion was small, killing one person, and the plane made an emergency landing. Operation Bojinka was discovered and foiled by [[Manila]] police in 1995.

On May 30, 1972, three members of the [[Japanese Red Army]] undertook a terrorist attack, popularly called the [[Lod Airport massacre]], at the Lod Airport, now known as the [[Ben Gurion International Airport]], in [[Tel Aviv]]. Firing indiscriminately with [[automatic firearm]]s and throwing [[grenade]]s, they managed to kill 24 people and injure 78 others before being neutralized (one of them through suicide). One of the three terrorists, [[Kozo Okamoto]], survived the incident.

The [[Rome and Vienna airport attacks]] in December 1985 were two more instances of airport security failures. The attacks left 20 people dead when gunmen threw grenades and opened fire on travelers at [[El Al]] airline ticket counters.

The [[September 11 attacks]] are the most widely recognized terrorist attacks in recent times involving air travel. On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 members of the [[Islamist terrorism|Islamic terrorist]] group [[Al-Qaeda]] took control of four airplanes on the [[east coast of the United States]] and deliberately crashed two into both [[World Trade Center (1973-2001)|World Trade Center]] towers in [[New York City]] and the third into [[the Pentagon]] in [[Arlington County, Virginia]]. A fourth plane crashed into a field near [[Shanksville, Pennsylvania]], not reaching [[Washington, D.C.]], for its intended target, either the [[U.S. Capitol]] or the [[White House]]. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,996 people, including the 245 [[civilians]] and a [[law enforcement officer]] and the 19 [[Aircraft hijacking|hijackers]] on board the four airplanes.

On July 5, 2002, a gunman opened fire at Los Angeles International Airport (Israel's El Al Ticket Counter). The shooter killed two people and injured four.

On August 10, 2006, security at airports in the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], and the [[United States]] was raised significantly due to the uncovering by British authorities of [[2006 transatlantic aircraft plot|a terror plot aimed at detonating liquid explosives]] on flights originating from these countries. This is also notable as it was the first time the U.S. Terror Alert Level ever reached "red". The incident also led to tighter restrictions on carrying liquids and gels in hand luggage in the [[European Union|EU]], [[Canada]], and the United States.<ref name="1546/2006">{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R1546:EN:NOT |title=Commission Regulation (EC) No 1546/2006 of 4 October 2006 amending Regulation (EC) No 622/2003 laying down measures for the implementation of the common basic standards on aviation security |publisher=Eur-lex.europa.eu |date= |accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref><ref name="2006Airport">{{cite web | url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-149520351.html | title= 184 Infantrymen Patrol San Jose Airport | publisher=San Jose Mercury News | date=15 August 2006 | accessdate=15 August 2006}}</ref>

==Airport security by country==

===Canada===
All restrictions involving airport security are determined by [[Transport Canada]] and some are implemented by the [[Canadian Air Transport Security Authority]] (CATSA) in conjunction with the Airport Operator . Since the September 11 attacks, as well as the [[Air India Flight 182|Air India bombing]] in 1985 and other incidents, airport security has tightened in [[Canada]] in order to prevent any attacks in Canadian Airspace.

CATSA uses x-ray machines to verify the contents of all carry-ons as well as metal detectors, [[Explosives trace detector|explosive trace detection]] (ETD) equipment and random physical searches of passengers at the pre-board screening points. X-ray machines, [[CTX (explosive-detection device)|CTX]] machines, high-resolution x-rays and ETDs are also used to scan checked bags. All checked baggage is always x-rayed at all major commercial airports.

CATSA launched its Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) program in January 2007. RAIC is the world's first dual biometric access control system for airports.<ref>[http://www.catsa.gc.ca/sites/default/files/imce/RestrictedAreaIdentityCards.pdf RAIC]</ref> This program replaces the old Airport Restricted Area Passes issued to airport employees after security checks by the [[Canadian Security Intelligence Service]], the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] (RCMP) and [[Transport Canada]] with new cards (issued after the same checks are conducted) that contain biometric information (fingerprints and [[Iris recognition|iris scans]]) belonging to the person issued the RAIC.

While CATSA is responsible for pre-board passenger and random non-passenger screening, they contract out to third-party "service providers" such as [[G4S]], Securitas and [[Garda (security company)|Garda]]World to train, manage and employ the screening officers. In addition, individual airport authorities which were privatized in the 1990s by the Canadian Government are responsible for general airport security rather than CATSA and normally contract out to private companies and in the case of large airports, pay for a small contingent of local police officers to remain on site as well.

Safety and security at Canada's airports are provided by local police forces. The RCMP once used to provide this service at most airports, but remains so only for a few today:

* [[Vancouver International Airport]]&nbsp;— RCMP Richmond detachment
* [[Calgary International Airport]]&nbsp;— [[Calgary Police Service]] Airport Unit (1997)
* [[Edmonton International Airport]]&nbsp;— RCMP Edmonton International Airport detachment
* [[Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport]]&nbsp;— [[Winnipeg Police Service]] (1997)
* [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]]&nbsp;— [[Peel Regional Police]] Airport Division (1997) with assistance from the RCMP Toronto Airport detachment
* [[Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport]]&nbsp;— [[Ottawa Police Service]] Airport Policing Section (1997)
* [[Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport]]&nbsp;— Airport Unit of the [[Service de police de la Ville de Montréal|Montreal Police Service]] with assistance from the RCMP Airport Unit
* [[Halifax Stanfield International Airport]]&nbsp;— [[Halifax Regional Police]]

===European Union===
[[File:Airport-security-prague.jpg|thumb|Airport security car patrolling perimeters of the restricted area.]]
Regulation (EC) No 300/2008<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32008R0300:EN:NOT |title=Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2008 on common rules in the field of civil aviation security |publisher=Eur-lex.europa.eu |date= |accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref> of the European Parliament and of the Council establishes common rules in the [[European Union]] to protect civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. The regulation's provisions apply to all airports or parts of airports located in an EU country that are not used exclusively for military purposes. The provisions also apply to all operators, including air carriers, providing services at the aforementioned airports. It also applies to all entities located inside or outside airport premises providing services to airports.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/transport/air_transport/tr0028_en.htm |title=Summaries of EU legislation > Transport > Air transport > Civil aviation security: common rules |publisher=Europa.eu |date= |accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref>
The standards of regulation 300/2008 are implemented by Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32015R1998|title=Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 of 5 November 2015 laying down detailed measures for the implementation of the common basic standards on aviation security|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=Eur-lex.europa.eu|access-date=|accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref>

The regulation no 2320/2002 from 2002 introduced the requirement to have security checks for all passenger flights, also domestic. Some EU countries had no checks for domestic flights until around 2005 (introducing full security checks took some time since terminals might need expansion).

====Finland====
Passenger, luggage and freight security checking and security guard duties are outsourced to contractors. General public security is the responsibility of the Finnish Police, which has an airport unit at Helsinki Airport. The airport unit has a criminal investigation, a canine and a TEPO (terrorist and bomb) squad, and a PTR (police, customs and border guard) intelligence component. Furthermore, units of the Finnish Border Guard units at airports often arrest wanted individuals or fugitives at the border, and the Finnish Customs seizes e.g. weapons, false documents or explosives in addition to wanted individuals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.poliisi.fi/poliisi/lp/home.nsf/pages/09EF6A286433F4A1C2256FE00025D01D |title=Lentoaseman yksikkצ |publisher=Poliisi.fi |date=2012-09-24 |accessdate=2013-03-15 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316063256/http://poliisi.fi/poliisi/lp/home.nsf/pages/09EF6A286433F4A1C2256FE00025D01D |archivedate=2013-03-16 |df= }}</ref>

====France====
French security has been stepped up since terrorist attacks in [[France]] in 1986. In response France established the [[Vigipirate]] program. The program uses troops to reinforce local security and increases requirements in screenings and ID checks. Since 1996 security check-points have transferred from the Police Nationale/Gendarmerie de l'Air to private companies hired by the airport authorities.

====Iceland====
As a member of the [[European Economic Area]], [[Iceland]] has adopted EC regulation No 300/2008 into national law and thus complies with EU standards on airport security for all international flights. Domestic flights within Icelandic territory are however exempted from the security rules. The exemption was granted by the EEA Joint Committee citing the geographical remoteness of the country as well as its low population density and small size of aircraft used in domestic operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.efta.int/sites/default/files/documents/legal-texts/eea/other-legal-documents/adopted-joint-committee-decisions/2009%20-%20English/069-2009.pdf |title=DECISION OF THE EEA JOINT COMMITTEE No 69/2009|publisher=EEA Joint Committee |date=2009-05-29 |accessdate=2015-04-22}}</ref>

====Netherlands====
Airport security in the Netherlands is provided by the [[Koninklijke Marechaussee]](KMar), Royal Military Constabulary.
[[File:Koninklijke Marechaussee busje.JPG|thumb|280px|A Dutch Marechaussee van]]

====Spain====
Airport security in Spain is provided by police forces, as well as private security guards. The [[Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Spain)|Policía Nacional]] provides general security as well as passport (in international airports) and documentation checking. In [[Catalonia]] and [[Basque Country (autonomous community)|Basque Country]], the [[Mossos d'Esquadra]] and the [[Ertzaintza]], respectively, have replaced the Policía Nacional except for documentation functions. The [[Guardia Civil]] handles the security and customs checking, often aided by private security guards. Local police provide security and traffic control outside the airport building.

Security measures are controlled by the state owned company [[Aena]], and are bound to [[European Commission]] Regulations, as in other European Union countries.

====Sweden====
Airport security is handled by security guards provided by the airport itself, with police assistance if needed. Airport fire fighters are also security guards.<!-- Airport fire fighters are dressed as guards when they work as guards, but if there is a fire alarm they will immediately prioritize that.--> The [[Swedish Transport Agency]] decides the rules for the check, based on international regulations. Airports are generally defined by law as "protected objects", which give guards extra authority, like demanding identity documents and search people's belongings. Sweden has traditionally seen itself as a low-crime country with little need for security checks. Sweden introduced security checks for international departures when international regulations demanded that around the 1970s/1980s. In September 2001, there was a decision to introduce security checks also for domestic flights. This took a few years to implement as domestic airports and terminals were not prepared with room for this.

====United Kingdom====
[[File:birmingham airport arrivals arp.jpg|thumb|Terminal 2 at [[Birmingham International Airport (United Kingdom)|Birmingham International Airport]], [[England]]. The row of concrete security barriers makes close approach by vehicles difficult.]]
[[File:No sharp objects sign at Gatwick Airport.jpg|thumb|No sharp objects sign at [[Gatwick Airport]]]]
{{See also|Airport policing in the United Kingdom}}
The [[Department for Transport]] (DfT) is the governing authority for airport security in the United Kingdom, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also responsible for certain security regulatory functions. In September 2004, with the [[Home Office]], DfT started an initiative called the "Multi Agency Threat and Risk Assessment" (MATRA), which was piloted at five of the United Kingdom's major airports&nbsp;— [[London Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]], [[Birmingham International Airport (United Kingdom)|Birmingham]], [[East Midlands Airport]], [[Newcastle Airport|Newcastle]] and [[Glasgow International Airport|Glasgow]]. Following successful trials, the scheme has now been rolled out across all 44 airports.

Since the September 11 attacks in [[New York City|New York]], the [[United Kingdom]] has been assessed as a high risk country due to its support of the United States both in its [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|invasion of Afghanistan]] and [[2003 invasion of Iraq|Iraq]].

From January 7, 2008, travelers are no longer limited to a single piece of carry-on luggage at most of the UK's major airports<ref>{{cite web |title=UK Airports where the one bag restriction will no longer apply from 7 January 2008|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/cabinbaggage |publisher=Department for Transport}}</ref> Currently, hand luggage is not limited by size or weight by the DfT/CAA, although most airlines do impose their own rules.

The UK trialed a controversial new method of screening passengers to further improve airport security using [[backscatter X-ray]] machines that provide a 360-degree view of a person, as well as "see" under clothes, right down to the skin and bones. They are no longer used and were replaced by [[millimeter wave scanner]]s which shows any hidden items while not showing the body of the passenger.

===Hong Kong===
[[File:ASU armed with MP5.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Airport Security Unit (Hong Kong)|Airport Security Unit]] on patrol in the [[Hong Kong International Airport]].]]
The [[Hong Kong International Airport]] is secured by the [[Hong Kong Police Force]] and Aviation Security Company (AVSECO). Within the police force, the Airport District is responsible for the safety and security of the airport region. [[Airport Security Unit (Hong Kong)|Airport Security Units]] are deployed around the airport and are armed with [[H&K MP5]] A3 sub-machine guns and [[Glock 17]] [[pistol]]s. The security of the restricted area is the responsibility of the police and AVSECO.

While the airport is under the control of the [[Airport Authority Hong Kong]] (AAHK), the security power has been delegated to the AVSECO staffs. All persons and baggages carried by them must be X-Rayed and checked at the security screening points of the AVSECO (with a few exceptions at the Tenant Restricted Area).

The [[Immigration Department (Hong Kong)|Immigration Department]] will check incomers passport and other identities, while the [[Customs and Excise Department (Hong Kong)|Customs and Excise Department]] will check passengers and crews' luggage to discourage smuggling of drugs and contraband from entering Hong Kong.

===India===
India stepped up its airport security after the 1999 [[Indian Airlines Flight 814|Kandahar hijacking]]. The [[Central Industrial Security Force]], a paramilitary organisation, is in charge of airport security under the regulatory framework of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (Ministry of Civil Aviation). CISF formed an Airport Security Group to protect Indian airports. Every airport has now been given an APSU (Airport Security Unit), a trained unit to counter unlawful interference with civil aviation. Apart from the CISF, every domestic airline has a security group who looks after the aircraft security.

Terrorist threats and narcotics are the main threats in Indian airports. Another problem that some airports face is the proliferation of slums around the airport boundaries in places like [[Mumbai]]. Before boarding, additional searching of [[hand luggage]] is likely. Moreover, other than this, the CISF has many other duties in context of aviation security. The cargo security and screening is done by the Regulated Agents or airlines' and airports' own security staff who are tested and certified by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), an aviation security regulator.

===Israel===
[[El Al#Security|El Al]] Airlines is headquartered in [[Israel]]. The [[El Al#Hijacking|last hijacking occurred]] on July 23, 1968,<ref name="A">Volokh.com [http://volokh.com/posts/1196146293.shtml Airport Security in Israel], November 27, 2007</ref> and no plane departing [[Ben Gurion Airport]], just outside [[Tel Aviv]], has ever been hijacked.<ref>[[Boston Globe]] [http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2006/08/23/what_israeli_security_could_teach_us/ What Israeli security could teach us], August 23, 2006</ref>

It was in 1972 that [[terrorists]] from the [[Japanese Red Army]] [[Lod Airport Massacre|launched an attack]] that led to the deaths of at least 24 people at Ben Gurion. Since then, security at the airport relies on a number of fundamentals, including a heavy focus on what Raphael Ron, former director of security at Ben Gurion, terms the "human factor", which may be generalized as "the inescapable fact that [[terrorist attack]]s are carried out by people who can be found and stopped by an effective security methodology."<ref name="B">SecuritySolutions.com [http://securitysolutions.com/news/security_exposing_hostile_intent/ What can we learn from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel to help push aviation security in the U.S. to the next level?]</ref>

On December 27, 1985, terrorists simultaneously attacked El Al ticket counters at the [[Rome, Italy|Rome]], [[Italy]] and [[Vienna, Austria|Vienna]], [[Austria]] airports using [[machine gun]]s and [[hand grenade]]s. Nineteen [[civilian]]s were killed and many wounded. In response, Israel developed further methods to stop such massacres and drastically improved security measures around Israeli airports and even promised to provide [[Plain-clothes police|plainclothes]] armed guards at each foreign airport.<ref name="silly">[[Washington Times]] [http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/aviation-security/2008/Aug/06/silly-circus-or-serious-airport-security/ Silly circus or serious airport security?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606165127/http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/aviation-security/2008/Aug/06/silly-circus-or-serious-airport-security/ |date=2013-06-06 }}, August 6, 2008</ref> The last successful airline-related terrorist attack was in 1986, when a security agent found a suitcase full of explosives during the initial screening process. While the bag did not make it on board, it did injure 13 after detonating in the terminal.<ref name="silly" />

As part of its focus on this so-called "human factor," Israeli security officers interrogate travelers using [[racial profiling]], singling out those who appear to be [[Arab]] based on name or physical appearance.<ref>[[International Herald Tribune]], [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/09/africa/ME-Israel-Airport-Dance.php Israeli airport security order dancer to prove identity with dance steps], September 9, 2008</ref> Additionally, all passengers, even those who do not appear to be of Arab descent, are questioned as to why they are traveling to Israel, followed by several general questions about the trip in order to search for inconsistencies.<ref name="A" /> Although numerous [[civil rights]] groups have demanded an end to the profiling, Israel maintains that it is both effective and unavoidable. According to Ariel Merari, an Israeli terrorism expert{{Citation needed|date=December 2012}}, "it would be foolish not to use profiling when everyone knows that most terrorists come from certain ethnic groups. They are likely to be [[Muslim]] and young, and the potential threat justifies inconveniencing a certain [[ethnic group]]."<ref>{{cite news|title=Rights group challenges Israel's airport security|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23714853/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/rights-group-challenges-israels-airport-security/#.Tqdw24YWXv4|accessdate=October 26, 2011|newspaper=Associated Press|date=March 19, 2008}}</ref>

Passengers leaving Israel are checked against a computerized list. The computers, maintained by the [[Israeli Ministry of Interior]], are connected to the [[Israeli police]], [[FBI]], [[Canadian Security Intelligence Service]] (CSIS), [[Scotland Yard]], [[Shin Bet]], and [[Interpol]] in order to catch suspects or others leaving the country illegally.<ref>[[World Press Review]] [http://www.worldpress.org/Mideast/757.cfm Fear of Flying: An Israeli Look at U.S Air Safety], November 2002</ref>

Despite such tight security, an incident occurred on November 17, 2002, in which a man apparently slipped through airport security at Ben Gurion Airport with a [[pocketknife]] and attempted to storm the cockpit of [[El Al]] Flight 581 en route from Tel Aviv to [[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]]. While no injuries were reported and the attacker was subdued by guards hidden among the passengers 15 minutes before the plane landed safely in Turkey, authorities did shut down Ben Gurion for some time after the attack to reassess the security situation and an investigation was opened to determine how the man, an [[Israeli Arab]], managed to smuggle the knife past the airport security.<ref>The Round Up [http://media.www.roundupnews.com/media/storage/paper474/news/2002/11/18/News/Israeli.Airport.Security.Foils.Hijacking.Attempt-326023.shtml Israeli airport security foils hijacking attempt]{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, November 18, 2002</ref>

At a conference in May 2008, the [[United States Department of Homeland Security]] [[United States Secretary of Homeland Security|Secretary]] [[Michael Chertoff]] told [[Reuters]] interviewers that the United States will seek to adopt some of the Israeli security measures at domestic airports. He left his post in January 2009, a mere 6 months after this statement, which may or may not have been enough time to implement them.<ref>[[Reuters]] [https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL29854328 Chertoff keen on Israeli airport security technology], May 29, 2008</ref>

On a more limited focus, American airports have been turning to the Israeli government and Israeli-run firms to help upgrade security in the post-[[September 11 attacks|9/11]] world. Israeli officials toured [[Los Angeles Airport]] in November 2008 to re-evaluate the airport after making security upgrade recommendations in 2006.<ref>[[Los Angeles Times]] [http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-security8-2008nov08,0,4657929.story Improvements in LAX security reported by Israeli consultants], November 8, 2008</ref> Calling Ben Gurion "the world's safest airport," [[Antonio Villaraigosa]], [[Mayor of Los Angeles, California|mayor]] of [[Los Angeles]], has implemented the Israeli review in order to bring state-of-the-art technology and other tactical measures to help secure LAX, considered to be the state's primary terrorist target and singled out by the Al Qaeda network.<ref>[[LA Times]] [http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/14/local/me-mayor14 Top airport security expert in Israel to inspect LAX anti-terror measures], June 14, 2008</ref> New Age Security Solutions, led by the former director of security at Ben Gurion and based in [[Washington, D.C.]], consults on aviation security at [[Boston]]'s [[Logan International Airport]].<ref name="B" />

Other U.S. airports to incorporate Israeli tactics and systems include [[Port of Oakland]] and the [[San Diego Airport|San Diego County Regional Airport Authority]]. "The Israelis are legendary for their security, and this is an opportunity to see firsthand what they do, how they do it and, as importantly, the theory behind it," said Steven Grossman, director of aviation at the Port of Oakland. He was so impressed with a briefing presented by the Israelis that he suggested a trip to Israel to the U.S. branch of [[Airports Council International]] in order to gain a deeper understanding of the methods employed by Israeli airport security and law enforcement.<ref>[[San Francisco Chronicle]], [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/10/MNGAMPOHHS1.DTL&feed=rss.news U.S. airport security experts take a look at Israel's methods], May 10, 2007</ref>

===Pakistan===
In [[Pakistan]] [[Airports Security Force|Airports Security Force (ASF)]] is responsible for protecting the [[Airports in Pakistan|airports]] and the facilities and the planes. ASF safeguards the civil aviation industry against unlawful interference, adopting counter terrorism measures, preventing crime and maintaining law and order within the limits of airports in Pakistan.

===Singapore===
[[File:Aetos 01.jpg|thumb|250px|right|An [[Aetos Security Management Private Limited|Aetos auxiliary]] [[police officer]] outside the Departure Hall of Terminal 2, [[Singapore Changi Airport]].]]
Security for the country's two international passenger airports comes under the purview of the Airport Police Division of the [[Singapore Police Force]], although resources are concentrated at [[Singapore Changi Airport]] where scheduled passenger traffic dominate. [[Seletar Airport]], which specializes in handling non-scheduled and training flights, is seen as posing less of a security issue. Since the [[September 11 attacks]], and the naming of Changi Airport as a terrorism target by the [[Jemaah Islamiyah]], the airport's security has been stepped up.

Roving patrol teams of two soldiers and a police officer armed with automatic weapons patrol the terminals at random.
Departing passengers are checked at the entrance of the gate rather than after immigration clearance unlike Hong Kong International Airport. This security measure is easily noticed by the presence of X-ray machines and metal detectors at every gate, which is not normally seen at other airports.

Assisting the state organizations, are the security services provided by the ground handlers, namely that of the [[Certis CISCO]], [[Singapore Airport Terminal Services]]'s [[SATS Security Services]], and the [[Aetos Security Management Private Limited]], formed from a merger of the [[Changi International Airport Services]]'s airport security unit and that of other companies to become a single island-wide [[auxiliary police]] company. These officers' duties include screening luggage and controlling movement into restricted areas.

Since 2005, an upgrade in screening technology and rising security concerns led to all luggage-screening processes being conducted behind closed doors. Plans are also in place to install over 400 cameras to monitor the airport, to discourage bomb attacks similar to the [[2005 Songkhla bombings]] in [[Southern Thailand]] where [[Hat Yai International Airport]] was targeted. Tenders to incorporate such a system were called in late September 2005.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/ra/news/stories/s1473762.htm Radio Australia&nbsp;— News&nbsp;— Singapore to install more security cameras at Changi airport] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060523175616/http://www.abc.net.au/ra/news/stories/s1473762.htm |date=May 23, 2006 }}</ref>

Since 8 May 2007, the liquid restrictions of 100&nbsp;ml cap is enforced, following the [[2006 transatlantic aircraft plot]]. Passengers are advised to check in liquids, gels and aerosols above 100&nbsp;ml, failing which they will be confiscated by airport security and have to post it back to oneself. Anything that is in the security areas is '''allowed'''. In general practice, unacceptable materials are also confiscated and have to post it back to yourself (excluding nail clippers, nail files, umbrellas and racquets).
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!List of unacceptable items
!Lifetime prohibited items (cabin/checked in)
|-
|
*Firearms
*Knives
*Scissors (with blades more than 6&nbsp;cm). Blades that are shorter than 6&nbsp;cm are always acceptable.
*Ammunition – all ammunition must be unloaded from the gun and is not allowed to be fired.
*Hammers
*Crow bars
|
*Fireworks and fire extinguishers
*Gunpowders and smoke flares
*Controlled drugs, and contraband drugs
*Vehicle airbags
*Liquid bleach
*Torch lighters
*Aerosols which might be more flammable (unless it is urgent)
*Hand grenades
|}

===United States===
[[File:SeaTacTerminalSecurity.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Airport security stations at [[Seattle–Tacoma International Airport]].]]
[[File:Security layers.jpg|thumb|250px|right|US security layers.]]
[[File:Delta Security Stickers.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Delta Security stickers on the back of a passport.]]

Prior to the 1970s American airports had minimal security arrangements to prevent acts of terrorism. Measures were introduced starting in the late 1960s after several high-profile hijackings.

[[Sky marshals]] were introduced in 1970, but there were insufficient numbers to protect every flight and hijackings continued to take place. On November 10, 1972, a trio of hijackers threatened to fly [[Southern Airways Flight 49]] into a nuclear reactor at [[Oak Ridge National Laboratory]]. As a direct response to this incident,<ref>{{cite web|last=Koerner|first=Brendan|title=Skyjacker of the Day|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/life/history/features/2013/skyjacker_of_the_day/louis_moore_hijacked_a_plane_to_teach_the_city_of_detroit_a_lesson.html|work=Excerpted from the book "The Skies Belong to Us: Love and Terror in the Golden Age of Hijacking"|publisher=Slate.com|accessdate=19 June 2013}}</ref> the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] required that all airlines begin screening passengers and their carry-on baggage by January 5, 1973.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lindsey|first=Robert|title=Airports Start Thorough Screening of All Passengers|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1973/01/06/79831123.pdf|accessdate=8 April 2013|newspaper=New York Times|date=6 January 1973}}</ref> This screening was generally contracted to [[private security companies]]. Private companies would bid on these contracts. The airline that had operational control of the departure concourse controlled by a given checkpoint would hold that contract. Although an airline would control the operation of a checkpoint, oversight authority was held by the FAA. C.F.R. Title 14 restrictions did not permit a relevant airport authority to exercise any oversight over checkpoint operations. The 1974 film, [[The Parallax View]], shows an early airport security checkpoint in operation.

The [[September 11 attacks]] prompted even tougher [[airport security repercussions due to the September 11 attacks|regulations]], such as limiting the number of and types of items passengers could carry<ref name=TSAlist>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm |title=List of Permitted and Prohibited Items |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |date= |accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref> on board aircraft and requiring increased screening for passengers who fail to present a government-issued [[identity document|photo ID]].

The Aviation and Transportation Security Act generally required that by November 19, 2002, all passenger screening must be conducted by Federal employees. As a result, passenger and baggage screening is now provided by the [[Transportation Security Administration]] (TSA), part of the [[Department of Homeland Security]]. Provisions to improve the technology for detecting explosives were included in the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Often, security at category X airports, the U.S. largest and busiest as measured by volume of passenger traffic, are provided by private contractors.<ref name="Akal">{{cite news|title=Sikh Group Finds Calling in Homeland Security|work=[[New York Times]]|year=2004|author=Leslie Wayne}}</ref><ref name="AkalSecurity">{{cite web|url= http://www.akalsecurity.com/clients|title=Akal Security: the Sikh Dharma of Española, New Mexico|accessdate=August 14, 2009}}</ref> Because of the high volume of passenger traffic, category X airports are considered vulnerable targets for terrorism.

With the increase in security screening, some airports saw long queues for security checks. To alleviate this, airports created Premium lines for passengers traveling in First or Business Class, or those who were elite members of a particular airline's Frequent Flyer program.

The "screening passengers by observation techniques" (SPOT) program is operating at some U.S. airports.<ref>[http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/spot/ "screening passengers by observation techniques (SPOT)"]{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Yu |first=Roger |url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-05-24-airportcheckin24_ST_N.htm |title=Airport Check-in: TSA behavior screening misses suspects |publisher=USA Today |date=May 24, 2010 |accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Holmes |first=Marcus |url=http://www.springerlink.com/content/dh15822826871378/ |title=National security behavioral detection: a typography of strategies, costs, and benefits |publisher=Springerlink.com |date= |accessdate=October 26, 2011}}</ref>

====United States incidents====
* On February 27, 2006, at the [[Will Rogers World Airport]] in Oklahoma City, in an airliner cargo area (accessible only to authorized personnel), threatening graffiti was found.<ref name="Graffiti prompts TSA to cancel jet's flight">{{cite news|url=http://archives.californiaaviation.org/airport/msg36997.html |title=Graffiti prompts TSA to cancel jet's flight |accessdate=January 1, 2010 |agency=Associated Press |year=2006 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728054207/http://archives.californiaaviation.org/airport/msg36997.html |archivedate=July 28, 2011 |df= }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite journal|first=|last=|title= Travel Vs. Terrorism|publisher=United States Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency Organization|editor-first=|editor-last=|place=Washington D.C.|pages=|date=2006-11-06|year=|id=|url=|format=| postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref>
* On March 6, 2006, at [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] in New York, an elderly man drove his car onto the runway through two security gates. He made it to an active runway where an Air France aircraft was preparing to land. The man drove around for approximately 23 minutes before being stopped. On the same day a man made it on to the runway by running through a secure gate while it was being opened at [[Midway International Airport]] in Chicago. The man made it through one of the three perimeter entrances that did not have a camera, resulting in four different runways being closed down. This incident led to 222 aviation security officers being retrained and a redesign of all perimeter gates.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* On March 11, 2006, after four years of continuous security breaches and staffing problems news reports indicated that federal officials removed the head of security at [[Newark Liberty International Airport]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* On November 1, 2013, a gunman named Paul Anthony Ciancia, age 23, shot and killed TSA agent Gerardo I. Hernandez at the Terminal 3 security checkpoint in [[Los Angeles International Airport]]. Ciancia then shot two other civilians as he passed security. He made it to the food court in the back of the terminal where federal agents tracked him down and shot him. He was then transported to a trauma hospital where he was treated for his injuries and was released by the end of November to law enforcement. The incident called for a complete shut down in the passenger drop off/departure roadways on the upper level of the airport and caused hundred of flight cancellations across the nation, although international flights had no cancellations. Terminals one, two, and three were shut down and so were the nearby runways, 24L and 24R. Flights that were already in the air and were preparing to land at these runways were either directed to land at the south runways or to divert to [[Ontario International Airport]] or [[Long Beach Airport]].
{{Main article|2013 Los Angeles International Airport shooting}}

====Category X Airports in the United States====
{{div col|colwidth=24em}}
*[[Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport]]
*[[Boston Logan International Airport]]
*[[Charlotte/Douglas International Airport]]
*[[Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport]]
*[[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport]]
*[[Denver International Airport]]
*[[Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport]]
*[[George Bush Intercontinental Airport]]
*[[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport]]
*[[Honolulu International Airport]]
*[[Las Vegas McCarran International Airport]]
*[[Los Angeles International Airport]]
*[[Luis Munoz Marin International Airport]]
*[[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]
*[[Miami International Airport]]
*[[Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport]]
*[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]
*[[O'Hare International Airport]]
*[[Orlando International Airport]]
*[[Orlando Sanford International Airport]]
*[[Philadelphia International Airport]]
*[[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport]]
*[[San Francisco International Airport]]
*[[Seattle–Tacoma International Airport]]
*[[Washington Dulles International Airport]]
{{div col end}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
* [[Infrastructure security]]
* [[Security theater]]

'''US specific:'''
* [[Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System]]
* [[Registered Traveler]]
* [[Airport racial profiling in the United States]]
* [[Secondary Security Screening Selection]]
* [[Secure Flight]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Airport security}}
* [http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/ Canadian Air Transport Security Authority]
* [http://www.tc.gc.ca/ Transport Canada]
* [http://www.faa.gov/ U.S. FAA]
* [http://www.tsa.gov/ U.S. Transportation Security Administration]
* [http://www.sedet.com Sociedad Europea de Detección]
* [[Security and Intelligence Services (India)|Indian Aviation Security]]

{{Commercial aviation}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Airport Security}}
[[Category:Security technology]]
[[Category:Aviation security|Security, Airport]]
[[Category:Access control]]
[[Category:Airport infrastructure|Security, Airport]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]

Revision as of 01:19, 26 June 2018

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