Securing landside airport areas and building a resilient security culture

For decades, aviation security has focused almost entirely on airside areas of airports. However, more recently, it’s the landside where vulnerabilities are becoming more apparent, says Patrick.

Every journey begins landside, where families hug goodbye, travellers line up at check-in counters, and airport halls buzz with life. Yet behind this ordinary scene lies a hidden vulnerability.

While airside security is tightly controlled, with access limited to bona fide passengers and background-checked staff, landside areas — open to everyone — remain much less secure. As landside threats evolve, these public airport areas have silently become one of the most vulnerable targets for those looking to disrupt air travel.

Overlooked risks – how airports can adapt before the next landside incident

For decades, aviation security has focused almost entirely on airside areas of airports. Regulations have primarily been designed to protect aircraft, with an emphasis on screening checkpoints and restricted zones. However, as incidents worldwide have shown, it’s the landside — the front door to air travel — where vulnerabilities are becoming more apparent.

Today, the risks at landside areas can no longer be ignored, yet they are still often treated as an afterthought. If we are serious about securing air travel, we must refocus our efforts on landside areas and cultivate a stronger, more proactive security culture. This shift in focus needs to begin at the very front door, not at the boarding gate.

Why this mindset?

Aviation security has been shaped by fear and, most of the time, reactive to attacks. In the 1960s and 70s the world witnessed a wave of aircraft hijacking, with international bodies imposing strict security measures before boarding aircraft – metal detectors, x-ray machines and bag searches. The focus at this time was only one – the protection of departing aircraft.

Over time, airport airside areas became a fortress, with every person, bag and item going through a regulated security process. At the same time, while airside was being reinforced, landside areas remained just as it was intended — open, attracting, welcoming and easily accessible. After all, airports are not simply for passengers, but also places for families, businesses, and ultimately, a vital source of revenue for airports.

The threats being faced

Today, landside threats are diverse, with the most immediate dangers often coming from direct attacks such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), firearms, or vehicle ramming incidents targeting terminal entrances and crowds. However, the risks do not end there. Insider threats – individuals with legitimate access to restricted areas and sensitive information who choose to turn malicious – can take advantage of the openness of landside areas. On top of that, cyber-attacks pose another serious risk, potentially targeting critical landside systems like check-in systems, access control systems, lighting and other operational infrastructure. These attacks can cause widespread disruption without a single shot being fired.

Crowds themselves are a vulnerability. An unattended object or bag may trigger an evacuation. A well-timed scare may put the entire airport operation to a halt. Airports are economic engines, and disrupting them is not just about harming people, but also about shaking public confidence and causing a ripple effect far beyond the airport.

If security on the landside remains static while the threat grows, the gap will only widen. Here we should be asking the question: How well prepared are we to stop or minimise damage in the event of a successful landside attack?

Securing landside areas – a challenge

Having worked so long in aviation security, I would say that it is easy to tighten security where access to an area is controlled and limited. However, it is more difficult to protect an area where, by nature, it is open and welcoming.

Adding security checkpoints at all terminal entrances is neither practical nor desirable. Passengers and accompanying family or friends want to be free to move towards check-in counters and landside concessionaries for a coffee. Besides, creating a bottleneck at terminal entrances would make people prime targets for precisely the kinds of attacks airport security wants to prevent.

Landside security is often complicated by shared responsibilities. At many airports, different security agencies, from the police and airport operators to private security teams and other forces, each handle different parts of the landside areas. Without clear allocation of responsibilities, effective co-ordination, and the sharing of critical information, security integrity may break down.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to money. Security infrastructure, people and measures all come at a cost. Upgrading infrastructure, hiring behaviour detection officers and improving surveillance systems all put a strain on airport budgets. Unfortunately, airports often only implement these security measures when mandated by regulations.

A more robust landside area

The focus for aviation security has shifted from just having checkpoints to a broader security approach that combines both technology and human expertise. Advanced surveillance systems using artificial intelligence (AI), along with random security checks, create an unpredictable environment, making it much harder for potential threats to be planned.

One of the most groundbreaking solutions in enhancing landside security is the integration of smart surveillance systems powered by AI. Unlike traditional security cameras, these systems actively analyse the data in real-time to identify potential threats before they escalate.

AI powered cameras can detect suspicious behaviour, for example someone lingering in an area or acting strangely. Systems can also immediately alert security personnel. Facial recognition can also identify and flag people on security wanted lists as they go through public areas – even at vehicle parking ticket barriers.

By automating the area monitoring, these systems provide real-time information to airport security teams. The combination of AI and advanced surveillance enhances security while maintaining a smooth experience for passengers and visitors. This methodology helps identify potential threats in landside areas without causing delays.

Another way to improve landside security is by using mobile security units and drones to patrol public areas. Traditional methods, like fixed checkpoints or predictable patrols, can be easily anticipated. Drones, installed with cameras and sensors, are great for monitoring hard-to-reach areas like parking lots, drop-off zones and terminal perimeters. They can fly over crowds and cover large areas quickly, making them a valuable tool for rapid responses in emergencies.

Similarly, mobile security units, including moving patrol officers and specially trained K9 teams, can move unpredictably throughout the terminal, ensuring that every landside area is monitored without creating security gaps. This approach enhances the physical security perimeter, adding elements of unpredictability that can deter potential attackers while maintaining a high level of vigilance across the entire landside area.

In addition, crowd management and behaviour detection techniques play a critical role in securing landside areas. By employing smart sensors throughout the terminal, airports can monitor crowd density and track movement patterns, enabling security teams to anticipate and address issues before they escalate. These sensors can detect unexpected gatherings or bottlenecks that might signal the onset of a security threat, allowing for immediate intervention.

Furthermore, behaviour detection training for airport staff empowers personnel to identify subtle signs of distress or suspicious activity in passengers. Whether it’s suspicious body language or signs of emotional distress, trained behaviour detection officers (BDOs) can report these observations, enabling security teams to investigate further before a situation becomes dangerous. This combination of technology and human vigilance creates a proactive security environment, making it far more difficult for threats to go undetected.

Building a security culture

Building a resilient security culture for landside areas is essential for staying ahead of evolving threats. A solid security culture goes beyond just relying on technology and is woven into every aspect of an airport’s operations. It is about creating an environment where every employee, from check-in agents to cleaning staff, understands their responsibility in maintaining security while feeling empowered to act when necessary. Periodical training plays a critical role, ensuring that all airport stakeholders have the skills and knowledge to identify and respond to potential threats. Scheduled security drills, awareness campaigns and clear communication channels are also vital in reinforcing the need for vigilance across all levels of the organisation.

In addition to engaging airport staff, it is crucial to foster a collaborative approach among all stakeholders. Police, airport personnel, airline staff and even passengers all play a vital role in keeping security strong. By working together, supported by real-time data sharing and a clear chain of command, response times improve, and action can be taken quickly during an incident. When everyone is on the same page regarding security procedures, it’s much easier to address threats swiftly and effectively.

A resilient security culture also means being flexible and adaptable. As new risks emerge, security measures need to evolve, which requires a mindset focused on innovation and ongoing improvement. By blending advanced technology with a well-trained and engaged workforce, airports can create a security environment that not only safeguards passengers but also builds trust and confidence in the airport’s overall safety. Ultimately, a strong security culture ensures that landside areas are prepared for the unexpected, and reinforces the idea that security is a shared responsibility for everyone involved.

Shaping the future of landside security – a unified approach

In conclusion, securing landside areas at airports demands a comprehensive strategy that blends cutting-edge technology, adaptable security measures and a strong security culture. By incorporating advanced surveillance, mobile patrols, and proactive crowd management, airports can not only protect public spaces but also foster a culture of vigilance. This ensures both the safety of passengers and the smooth operation of the airport.

With over 25 years of experience in aviation, spanning airport, air carrier and regulatory roles across Europe and the Middle East, Patrick Cuschieri currently serves as the Aviation Security Consultant for the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

He holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Creativity and Innovation, along with multiple internationally recognised qualifications in aviation and dog training.

Known for his commitment to driving positive change within the aviation industry and building high-performing teams, Patrick is passionate about mentoring and training the next generation of aviation professionals.

His impactful contributions are recognised in every country he has worked in, consistently leaving a lasting and positive footprint.