Aviation Security Evolution

How Historic Terrorist Attacks Fundamentally Transformed Modern Air Travel Security Standards

The 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks has marked a significant period in aviation security, with the Lockerbie bombing and subsequent plots leading to significant changes in airline and airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) took over responsibility for screening passengers, baggage and other cargo, and 100% of checked luggage undergoes screening for explosives. The Federal Aviation Administration restricted gate access at airports to ticketed passengers and banned knives and box cutters from carry-on bags. The TSA increasingly used watchlist checks, voluntary background investigations, and other information to sort passengers based on their assessed risk. The FAA also conducted covert airport security tests to simulate the criminal and terrorist modus operandi of the terrorist attacks.

Topics