Airports forced to review security as missile and drone threats rise

Airports worldwide are reevaluating their security measures in light of the rising threat of missile and drone attacks, according to industry experts. Repeated assaults by Houthi rebels in Saudi Arabia, coupled with the ongoing conflict in Iran, have underscored the vulnerability of airports to modern warfare and made it challenging to maintain operations during prolonged security crises.

At the Dubai Airport Show on Monday, airport leaders discussed investing in new technology and contingency planning to safeguard against threats ranging from military strikes to cyber attacks. However, they acknowledged that complete security was unattainable, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability.

Tim Walder, chairman of the British Aviation Group, highlighted the unprecedented geopolitical challenges faced by airport operators today. "Resilience isn't something that's 100 percent; it's always going to fail on occasions, but we learn faster," he stated. "The key thing is the airport can be a leader in terms of understanding where the threats can come from, such as cybersecurity and climate change."

Industry leaders are implementing various measures to enhance airport security. For instance, some facilities have increased perimeter screening, police patrols, and terminal entry checkpoints in response to heightened threat levels in the Middle East. Exhibitors at the Dubai Airport Show showcased advanced countermeasures, including the newly developed EnforceAir Plus system.

This system, created by D-Fend Solutions, can take control of unidentified drones and land them safely, identify the drone's origin, and prevent future attacks. Unlike traditional jamming techniques, which could potentially damage the drone and cause harm to people on the ground, the EnforceAir Plus system selectively targets the drone's signal, ensuring minimal interference with other aircraft.

The Ministry of Defence has recorded over 2,265 drone attacks on the country since the Iran war began on February 28. Dubai International Airport alone has handled 111 aerial threat alerts during this period. Airport developers are also incorporating blast-proof designs and hardened concrete shells into future projects, such as the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, to enhance protection against aerial attacks.

Binu Gopal, chief operating officer at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, emphasized the importance of maintaining operations efficiently during crises. He stressed the need for a unified approach involving all aspects of the airport ecosystem, including operations, airlines, ground handling, customs, and immigration.