Staying ahead of the threat curve: ACI World’s Darryl Dowd on airport security in 2025

A shifting risk landscape

ACI World represents over 600 airports across the globe, and as Vice President of Safety, Security and Operations, Darryl is constantly in conversation with airport security teams.

Darryl begins by noting that the global threat environment is in constant motion, and that cyber-security has emerged as a particularly urgent concern. “We’re seeing a growing focus on cyber-security risk and the importance of airports remaining diligent,” he explains.

ACI World recently assessed key security threats in 2025, and the most prominent areas of concern among member airports include landside security, cabin baggage screening, cyber threats and public disruptions such as demonstrations. These insights directly inform ACI’s advocacy efforts at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), helping shape global priorities.

A system that works — but can evolve

Despite the high-profile nature of certain incidents that have taken place around the world, Dowd is quick to remind us that the aviation system remains exceptionally secure. “Aviation continues to be one of the safest forms of travel globally,” he says. “While we hear about major events, those are exceptions.”

However, there is room to strengthen the system further. Dowd emphasises the importance of collaboration among airport stakeholders, including regulators, customs, police, airlines, and highlights the growing adoption of Security Management Systems (SeMS). These frameworks enable a risk-based approach that complements existing regulations. “We’re seeing positive outcomes from layering an optional risk-based programme like SeMS over top of an existing regulatory framework,” he adds.

The perimeter question

Recent high-profile security incidents, from stowaways and armed intrusions to climate-related protests and hostage situations, have put a renewed spotlight on airport perimeters.

Dowd notes that airports are responding to these challenges in a tailored and proactive way. “Many have conducted local risk assessments and enhanced their perimeter protections accordingly,” he said, citing anti-scaling features to prevent people from climbing or even reinforcing fences with barriers to prevent vehicle incursions, as examples. The flexibility within global security frameworks enables airports to address these issues in a local context-specific manner and to augment additional security measures.

The role of regulation

When it comes to regulation, Dowd strikes a nuanced tone. “There’s not a huge wave of change coming from ICAO right now,” he says. Instead, most regulatory developments are happening at the state level, particularly in areas like hold baggage screening technology advancements and air cargo security. “Passengers may have noticed more advanced screening technologies being rolled out, this is being mandated by some national authorities,” he explains.

Nonetheless, ACI remains deeply involved in shaping future guidance. Dowd highlights ACI’s active participation in ICAO’s Aviation Security Panel and Annex 17 working groups, where they advocate for risk-based, operationally informed standards. “Our team all have airport experience,” he notes. “It’s essential that the airport voice is in the room, especially since much of the dialogue at ICAO happens at the state level.”

Three areas for focus

What should airports be focusing on right now? For Darryl, three priorities stand out:

1. Risk-based security systems: tailored, intelligence-informed responses to threats.
2. Security culture: a strong internal culture enhances training, staff retention and outcomes.
3. Security management systems: this helps improve risk assessment and mitigation methodologies.

“We’re also seeing a convergence of operational response and mitigation measures around security and cyber-security incidents, so we’re starting to see airports think about these in the context of their own business recovery or business resilience documentation. Tying all these different response initiatives together,” said Darryl.

Supporting the front line

To support airport security professionals worldwide, ACI World also maintains its Airport Security Standing Committee, which convenes global experts to exchange ideas and develop resources and best practices. “This group produces content that helps members enhance their own security postures,” says Darryl.

In addition, ACI has published a suite of practical guides — including manuals on Security Management Systems, landside security, insider threats, and smart security deployments using CT technology — all aimed at raising standards globally.

A continuous partnership

Ultimately, Dowd encourages airports to maintain close working relationships with regulators and to reach out to ACI for support. “We’re here to serve our members,” he says. “This is a partnership, and it needs to evolve alongside the threats we face.”