African Airports Investing in Robust Security Tech

Airport security is a growing concern with airport operators and travellers. The number of people who pass through airports every day is increasing every year, as are the number of security threats. Among the main threats are of course terror attacks and cyber terrorism by radical Islamic groups such as Boko Haram and Isis. The American Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports that more than 1.9 million passengers are screened per day, and according to the US Department of Home Security, in 2015 American airport security intercepted a record number of weapons in carry-on bags – 2653. More than 2,000 of these firearms were loaded. They further report that these numbers are roughly 20% higher than the previous record-setting year.

The increasing dangers put strain on airports and those responsible for the safety of travellers. Maintaining airport security is labour-intensive and costly. It involves the use of sophisticated and expensive technology like biometrics, access control, facial recognition systems, cyber security and scanning devices, and requires trained personnel who have the skills and alertness to carry out various duties like document verification, profiling and cargo security. Although airport security budgets are not increasing at the same intensity and speed as air traffic, or the threats at hand, some countries are taking significant measures to tighten their airport security, and it is not only countries in the developed world.

Incremental Growth in Africa

Cutting edge tech in big data and screening is driving upgrades in airport security, and the trend is not only limited to the mature markets of Europe and North America. Africa is seeing incremental growth with international and domestic legislative changes fuelling its progress. The market for airport security technology is a highly reactive field and major developments have taken place in recent years.

In 2015 King Shaka International Airport in Durban installed state-of-the-art baggage scanners, aimed at combatting the loss of millions in unpaid taxes. In 2016 OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg made history on the continent when installing a Smart Security system that involves full-body scans. Airports across Africa are also using Geographic Information Systems to manage the airfield risk of bird strikes, and biometric e-gateways are in the pipeline with a full roll-out anticipated in 2017. It’s great to see that African airports are taking a proactive approach to airport security.