Airports are critical hubs for global travel and commerce, but they remain among the most challenging environments to secure. Threats ranging from smuggling and human trafficking to violence against workers and unauthorized access have continued to test existing security systems. As passenger volumes return to pre-pandemic levels, many experts argue that relying on traditional, checkpoint-focused measures is no longer sufficient.
“Airports are among the most sensitive entry points in the world, and security technology can’t afford to be reactive. Because of this, we need to shift from a reactive security system to a proactive one,” says Chris Chib, CEO of BlueFin Solves.
From Reactive to Proactive Security
Airport security has historically been built on a reactive framework: monitoring checkpoints, reviewing footage after incidents, and relying on personnel to detect irregularities. While effective in some cases, this approach often leaves gaps that can be exploited.
Chib argues that new tools must address those shortcomings in real time. “The next generation of security technology must be able to identify risks in real-time rather than after the fact. Any system at this scale has to align with the security and regulatory frameworks of each country it operates in, while also preparing for future capabilities like facial and behavioral recognition inside terminals.”
The push for proactive systems reflects a broader shift in the security sector, where artificial intelligence is increasingly being tested for its ability to detect patterns humans may overlook.
A Case Study in Vehicle Monitoring
One example of this shift is BlueFin’s VisionFleet, a system developed to monitor vehicles entering airport premises. The technology uses license plate recognition, behavioral analysis, and real-time alerts to flag potential concerns.
According to the company, the system is capable of:
- Identifying license plates with more than 99 percent accuracy in all lighting conditions.
- Integrating with cloud-based or on-premise systems for live alerts.
- Detecting behavioral patterns such as extended loitering or repeated perimeter circling.
- Monitoring entry points without requiring additional staffing.
- Sending anti-blurring notifications when attempts are made to obscure camera footage.
While companies like BlueFin highlight the advantages of automation, aviation security specialists note that adoption depends on both cost and regulatory compliance. Every airport operates under national frameworks governing surveillance and data protection, making integration complex.
Broader Trends in Aviation Security
The interest in AI tools reflects a wider trend across the aviation sector. Airlines and airports are under pressure to improve security without adding significant staffing or increasing wait times for passengers. Proponents of AI argue that the technology can provide continuous monitoring and consistency, while freeing human staff to focus on higher-level decision-making.
At the same time, concerns remain about privacy, potential bias in AI systems, and the balance between efficiency and civil liberties. For airports operating in multiple jurisdictions, these issues are compounded by differing international standards.
Looking Ahead
Security experts say the industry is at an inflection point. As threats evolve, airports are testing a variety of tools, from behavioral analytics to biometric screening, in an effort to stay ahead of risks. AI-driven systems such as VisionFleet illustrate one possible direction, though widespread adoption will likely depend on proving effectiveness, regulatory alignment, and public acceptance.
What is clear, according to Chib, is that the status quo is no longer enough. “Airports are among the most sensitive entry points in the world, and security technology can’t afford to be reactive,” he says. “We need to shift from a reactive security system to a proactive one.”