Airports have been building more resilient infrastructure that are able to monitor sizeable passenger movements even as the threat to security is rising with new data driven technologies and enhanced footfall. 

 

This was the view of experts and officials at the Airport Security conference at the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum from May 17 to 19 in Dubai.

 

“As threats get more advanced, we at the airport security are enhancing technology-based end-to-end solutions to detect and mitigate security challenges before they occur. Organisations around the world are expanding security solutions and taking measures based on different technologies to detect terrorist acts or smuggling ahead of time,” said Brigadier Humooda Mohammed Selayem Alameri, Deputy Director of General Department of Airport Security, Dubai Police, in his keynote address on ‘Developing intelligent, end-to-end control of entire airport infrastructure to meet future security challenges’.

 

Mitigating threat

He also stressed the need to make secure infrastructure to help mitigate any threat as planning is a key element in security. 

 

“Technology is reshaping airport security with tools such as CT scanning, 3D imaging, AI and other means,” he said.

 

Brigadier Alameri said: “Technology and old methods like K9 are playing a key role in security and the detection of explosives or drugs around airports. Dubai Police is merging the latest technology with old methods and the results are satisfactory.”  Besides, tools like biometric and fingerprints and facial scanning, Artificial Intelligence are the future of airport security.

 

Critical developments

Buti Ahmed Qurwash, Vice President Security, Dubai Airports, focused on the recent critical developments in airport security that are being rolled out across airports globally. “The new measures to improve overall passenger experience at airports and provide maximum security and safety included the security screening process through automated machines, the use of biometrics, passenger tracking, video surveillances, risk-based security and access control and queue management around the world.”

 

He highlighted the current safety and security measures as well as a number of measures being added in the existing security protocols. “The new measures added for passenger screening included CT technology, body scanner and advanced CCTV while for cargo screening the new feature added were Big X-ray screening and deployment of Regulated Agents for staff screening and biometrics. 

 

Additional layers

“The advanced protection with additional layers were put in action for cyber security while Drones are also being used to install Radar Technologies to provide security around airports,” he said.

 

Organised by RX Global (Reed Exhibitions), the world’s largest airport industry B2B platform has a sharp focus on sustainability to help the aviation industry in achieving a more sustainable airport industry that is aiming to reduce carbon footprint year on year. 

 

The 21st edition of the Airport Show is supported by Dubai Airports, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), dnata (part of Emirates Airline and Group), Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), Global Air Navigation Services (GANS), and Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans).-- TradeArabia News Service