On August 25, a video went viral showing a man setting himself on fire at Almaty Airport. Naturally, readers of the news questioned: “While we can’t even take a bottle of water through security, how was this person able to bring flammable liquid into the terminal?”
The incident occurred in the landside area of the terminal — the section open to the public. Security measures at airports are primarily designed to protect flights. Therefore, everyone passing into the airside (sterile area) — including staff — as well as baggage and cargo, is screened through security equipment. If no threats are found, they are allowed to proceed to the aircraft.
At many airports in Europe and other regions, there are no security checks at the very first entry points of the airport or terminal. Airport security is part of a country’s overall security policy, and measures can be tightened based on instructions from security forces or the results of risk assessments.
In Türkiye, however, all airports apply general checks at the outer perimeter (gate) as well as additional security screening at terminal entrances. These serve as deterrents. At one point, the removal of terminal entry checkpoints was being considered, with İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport selected as a pilot airport. Unfortunately, following the Atatürk Airport terrorist attack, the idea was shelved immediately.
Today, security remains the most critical element in aviation. Every terrorist incident has triggered new measures. For instance, restrictions on carrying liquids over a certain limit in cabin baggage were introduced as a direct result of past threats. Meanwhile, security equipment manufacturers continue to develop new technologies to speed up screening and reduce passenger inconvenience. Thanks to these innovations, EU countries have recently decided to lift the liquid ban under the condition that specific devices are used.
Research shows that the most serious risk comes from insider threats — airport employees. For this reason, all airport staff must undergo security screening before starting work and are strictly required to comply with security rules. The tragic crash of a Russian aircraft departing from Egypt occurred when an airport worker, who bypassed thorough screening, planted explosives in luggage loaded onto the plane.
Airports and governments around the world are making major investments in security infrastructure. Personnel at checkpoints are regularly tested, both at scheduled and unscheduled times. For this reason, security staff must follow their duties and rules meticulously — and perhaps deserve a little more understanding from passengers.
Safe flights…