Commercial airports are constantly evolving to address emerging security challenges. One growing concern is the unauthorized use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. While drones offer a variety of civilian applications, their presence near airports poses a significant security risk.
The Insider Threat and Drone Vulnerabilities
The danger is amplified when considering the potential for collaboration between drone operators and insiders with access to secure areas. These insiders could exploit vulnerabilities in airport security to smuggle contraband, weapons, or explosives past traditional screening procedures. Drones could then be used to transport these materials undetected, jeopardizing passenger safety and airport operations.
In 2018, a drone sighting caused the Gatwick airport in UK to close for two days, but despite a lengthy police investigation, no culprit was ever found. This caused the grounding of hundreds of flights and affected over 140,000 passengers.
A 2022 report by the Department of Homeland Security revealed that the TSA identified almost 2,000 drone sightings close to U.S. airports since 2021. This includes near-daily occurrences at major airports, raising safety concerns. The most alarming incidents involved pilots being forced to take evasive maneuvers during critical takeoff and landing phases to avoid potentially catastrophic collisions with drones.
Traditional Security Measures Fall Short
Airports primarily rely on ground-level security measures like fences, security personnel, and advanced screening equipment. Unfortunately, these systems are not designed to address aerial threats like drones. Drones can easily bypass these measures, creating a security gap that needs to be addressed.
Airsight: A Powerful Solution for Drone Detection
Airsight offers a comprehensive solution to this growing threat with AirGuard, our advanced drone detection system. AirGuard utilizes sophisticated technology to detect unauthorized drones entering restricted airspace around airports. Here's how AirGuard empowers airports to safeguard their perimeters:
- Early Detection: AirGuard provides immediate alerts when unauthorized drones breach the perimeter, allowing airport security to take swift action. This early warning system is crucial for effectively mitigating potential threats.
- Enhanced Situational Awareness: AirGuard goes beyond basic detection. It provides valuable data about the drone's location, flight path, and altitude. This information empowers security personnel to make informed decisions about how to neutralize the threat.
- Compliance with Regulations: AirGuard operates entirely passively, adhering to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations that prohibit physically interfering with drones in flight. This ensures responsible drone detection while maintaining safety protocols.
Taking Control of Airspace
The growing presence of drones in the vicinity of airports necessitates a proactive approach to security. AirSight's AirGuard system equips airports with the necessary tools to detect and deter drone activity from the source, fostering a safer environment for passengers, staff, and airport operations.
If you are concerned about the potential threat of drones at your airport, Airsight can help. Contact us today to schedule a demo and discover how AirGuard can be integrated into your existing security infrastructure.
