9. Why Airport Security is so Important?
Airport security has evolved with time. Before 1960’s, airport security wasn’t a big issue and was not that strict.
But a series of high jacking and terrorist attacks that took place eventually changed the entire airline security industry. These incidents led to the creation of the modern airport security system.
We have often seen how people get angry and agitated during security checks. But it is a necessary measure which must be taken to avoid incidents that can cause you harm.
Here are the reasons why airport security is so Important!
1.Protection Against Terrorists
High jackings of various airplanes in the 1960s and 1970s led to the system of screening, ticketing and monitoring procedures, which were followed till 2001.
However, all this changed after the 9/11 incident. It was a wake-up call for authorities who had become complacent with airport security.
New security measures have been developed to stop more elaborate and intelligently planned actions by terrorists.
Things are different now. It is difficult to get through airport security even with a bottle of water. These tough security measures have helped airlines avoid potential terrorist threats.
2.Fight Against Narcotics
Drugs trafficking went up very quickly once smugglers started using airplanes. Drug lords like Pablo Escobar and others made billions using the flying routes to transport drugs.
This had a negative effect on the aviation industry, affected the society and disrupted the economy countries where drug trafficking was prominent.
Even today we see reports of people coming up with new ways to traffic drugs on airplanes, but modern-day airport security measures have helped to catch the people responsible.
3.Prevent Smuggling
Apart from drugs, airport security has been trained to detect different products that are transported illegally across borders on airplanes.
People in the past have tried to carry things like gold, stolen antiques and in some cases, rare and exotic animals in carry-on bags, but airport security has been successful in stopping such practices.
4.Cyber Security
Airport security doesn’t only involve security checks before boarding a flight.
Hackers are coming up with new and sophisticated ways to attack aviation network computers, Air Traffic Control systems and gain unauthorised access to airport and airline databases.
With the aviation industry becoming heavily dependent on digital technology, cyber-security has become a serious and urgent concern.
Authorities and Airlines are investing heavily in cyber-security and have been able to tackle cyber threats which can cause heavy financial losses and disrupt the air transportation network.
5.Protects Passengers Inside Airport
With mass shooting incidences on the rise, airport security keeps passengers protected inside the airport.
If there was no airport security, the airport would be left vulnerable to surprise attacks from terrorists and criminals.
Security measures taken at the airport, discourage criminals from committing such crimes. CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) is a paramilitary organization that looks after the airport security in India.