Security Experts Convene Virtually to Discuss Security Operations Restart

28 Aug 2020

As traffic starts to resume, one of the key priorities for airport operators is ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff, passengers and the public while they are at the airport. The security checkpoint is one area where close interaction between passengers and staff occurs.

The challenge facing airport operators is minimizing the risk of transmission at the security checkpoint, while maintaining the highest level of security at all times. In this regard, ACI has been emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach towards aviation security and public health in the restart and recovery phase.

In a conference call with 26 participants from airport members and security service providers from the region, the Regional Aviation Security Committee (RASC) shared experiences and best practices on maintaining security operations in light of the pandemic. Major issues discussed included the incorporation of health measures into the existing security checkpoint operations and impact on the adjustment to security screening procedures, such as hand search and explosive trace detection (ETD) screening.

Going forward, the RASC will continue monitoring the pandemic’s impact on security operations and share operational best practices on a regular basis with members.