Airports forced to review security as missile and drone threats rise

Airports are reevaluating their security measures amid rising threats from missiles and drones, according to industry experts. Repeated attacks by Houthi rebels in Saudi Arabia and ongoing conflict in Iran have highlighted the vulnerability of airports to modern warfare and the challenges of maintaining operations during prolonged security crises.

Airport operators are investing in new technologies and contingency planning to withstand various threats, including military strikes, cyber attacks, and climate change. However, no facility can be entirely secure, as noted by Tim Walder, chairman of the British Aviation Group. "Resilience isn't something that's 100 per cent, it's always going to fail on occasions, but we learn faster," he said.

Supporting passengers during a crisis is crucial to retaining confidence, Walder added. Cyber-attacks pose a significant risk, as seen in recent incidents in the UK and Europe. Major transit hubs and other key infrastructure are implementing enhanced security measures, such as perimeter screening, police patrols, and dedicated anti-drone defenses.

Exhibitors at the Dubai Airport Show showcased advanced countermeasures, including D-Fend Solutions' EnforceAir Plus system, which can hijack and safely land unidentified drones. This system avoids potential harm to people on the ground by taking control of the drone's controls instead of jamming its signal. The Ministry of Defence has recorded 2,265 drone attacks since the Iran war began, with Dubai International Airport handling 111 such alerts.

Future airport projects will incorporate blast-proof designs and hardened concrete shells to strengthen defenses against aerial attacks. During a crisis, the priority is to maintain operations safely and efficiently, with interdependent systems requiring a collaborative response from all airport stakeholders.