USE OF TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DETECTION OF THREATS ON AVIATION SECURITY: ACTION PLAN TOWARDS ENHANCING PASSENGERS SAFETY

Abstract

Aviation security serves as a cornerstone of the global transportation infrastructure, requiring continuous modernization to counter increasingly sophisticated physical and digital threat vectors. This study evaluated the use of technologies in the detection of threats on aviation security. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design, the investigation gathered multi-stakeholder perspectives from technical and regulatory experts, operational security personnel, and traveling beneficiaries to assess key technological dimensions. The study found that aviation security technologies—including sensor systems, data analysis tools, automated monitoring, cybersecurity measures, passenger behavior analysis, and regulatory adaptations—are generally perceived as less efficient in detecting threats. Significant differences were also identified in efficiency ratings across technical and regulatory experts, operational stakeholders, and beneficiaries, indicating varying perspectives based on role and experience. In terms of issues affecting technology use, false alarm rates and training requirements were rated as serious concerns, while privacy protection, budget constraints, technology integration, and technological reliability were generally considered less serious. Significant differences in perceptions of issue severity were also observed across respondent groups. Qualitative findings revealed that cybersecurity alerts and passenger behavior sometimes do not align, requiring verification procedures, multi-agency collaboration, and professional objectivity. Challenges in using both technology and human judgment include conflicting system outputs and behavioral observations, cognitive overload in real-time operations, and uncertainty in interpreting passenger behavior. Regarding regulatory influences, findings showed that regulations both support system standardization and security while also limiting operational flexibility and affecting response speed due to compliance requirements. Finally, recommended improvements include enhancing system integration and interoperability, advancing AI and predictive analytics, strengthening training and human capacity development, improving cybersecurity and system maintenance, and promoting coordinated organizational and regulatory approaches to improve overall aviation security effectiveness.