Threats to Aviation: Assessing the Effectiveness of Security Measures

• In Event: Understanding and Responding to Suicide Terrorism

Abstract

Using data compiled from the GTD, RAND, ASN, and the FAA, this study assesses the potential impact that different aviation security measures have had on threats to airlines, airports, and passengers between 1970 and 2015. Previous research indicated that the implementation of metal detectors was related to a decrease in airline hijackings. This analysis takes the research further, examining the influence of more recent security measures, including the no-liquids rule, full body scans, explosive trace detection machines, and random inspections. In addition, the analysis differentiates between terrorist and non-terrorist attacks to determine if increased security measures have had a greater deterrent effect on one group of offenders over another.

Author

• Omi Hodwitz, University of Maryland