Airport Security Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The global airport security market was valued at USD 13.71 Billion in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.80% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a valuation of USD 34.92 Billion by 2034.

Global Airport Security Market Growth

Airport security involves the processes, tools, and personnel focused on safeguarding airplanes, passengers, staff, and airport facilities from threats like terrorism and crime. The primary goals are to maintain airport safety, offer peace of mind to travellers, and protect employees. The specific equipment and procedures vary based on the type of airport and the current security challenges.

The airport security market demand growth is primarily fuelled by government regulations and policies designed to prevent terrorist attacks. As global terrorism continues to rise, authorities are focusing on improving security measures to create safer airport environments. In Europe, for example, there is a strong push to adopt and enforce standards that seek to prevent potential attacks and incidents.

Global Airport Security Market Analysis

The airport security market dynamics and trends are significantly shaped by increasing investments in biometric authentication systems, including facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris recognition. These technologies improve the passenger identification process, significantly reducing the dependence on manual document checks and speeding up security procedures. For instance, facial recognition technology is now utilized at boarding gates, allowing passengers to board flights without having to present their passports.

Technological advancements and innovations are expected to propel airport security industry growth over the coming years. Airports are adopting next-generation screening technologies, including computed tomography (CT) scanners, which are now being used at security checkpoints. These scanners create 3D images of luggage and cargo, providing clearer visuals that help security personnel more accurately identify explosives and other prohibited items, all while allowing passengers to keep their electronics and liquids in their bags. Additionally, automated explosive detection systems (EDS) are improving the speed and reliability of luggage screening processes.

Robotics and drones are now being tested and deployed in various airports for security purposes. Robots patrol terminals, searching for suspicious items or activities, while drones are used to monitor large airport perimeters. This trend is driving the demand of airport security market. These advanced technologies enable security teams to broaden their coverage, reducing dependence on human patrols and enhancing overall situational awareness.

Airport Security Industry Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, global airport traffic saw a remarkable rebound in June 2021 compared to June 2020, largely due to increased passenger demand and the easing of travel restrictions. The Africa region registered a dramatic recovery, with 123,997 passengers flying in June 2021, a sharp 834% rise from the 13,277 passengers in June 2020. U.S. carriers expanded their market share significantly, rising from 4% in June 2020 to 32% in June 2021, highlighting the growing influence of U.S. operators in international travel to Africa. Additionally, Australasia/Oceania reported a notable 173% year-over-year increase in June 2021, with passenger numbers climbing from 8,550 in 2020 to 23,378. U.S. market share remained robust at 54%, indicating continued operational strength, while foreign carriers held steady at 46%. However, the total passenger count was still modest compared to pre-pandemic levels, which were much higher in 2019, reaching 5,456,320 passengers annually. Canada/Greenland also experienced a strong recovery in passenger traffic, with June 2021 numbers jumping by 126% compared to June 2020, totalling 108,640 passengers, up from 48,162 the previous year. U.S. market share increased to 43%, while foreign carriers accounted for 57% of the total market. The Caribbean saw the most significant surge, with a staggering 3,572% increase in total passenger traffic for June 2021 compared to June 2020. Passenger numbers soared to 1,803,789, up from 46,829 in June 2020. The Caribbean also witnessed U.S. market share grow to 94%, while foreign market share remained at 6%, indicating limited recovery for non-U.S. airlines in this region. In Central America, the market also experienced substantial growth, with a 1,318% increase in total traffic in June 2021, recording 4,083,338 passengers compared to 287,980 in June 2020. This surge in air passengers is leading airports to invest heavily in advanced security systems to handle increasing volumes efficiently and safely, further driving the airport security market revenue.

According to Eurostat, in 2022, Ireland experienced a remarkable 250% surge in air passenger traffic compared to the previous year, indicating a robust rebound in travel demand. Finland and Slovakia closely followed, with increases of 203% and 202% respectively, showcasing their swift recovery. Hungary and Portugal also showed impressive growth, with rates around 165% and 155%. Meanwhile, Denmark and the Czech Republic reported approximately 145% growth, further emphasizing the overall positive trend in air transport across the region. The airport security market revenue is being fuelled by this increase in air passenger traffic.

Airports are adopting AI, biometrics, and advanced surveillance systems to enhance security efficiency and response times, further driving the airport security market demand.

• Strong global regulations push continuous investment in enhanced security measures, ensuring consistent market demand.
• Growing international travel increases the need for scalable and advanced security solutions, boosting the market.

Advanced technologies like AI-driven systems and biometric scanners require significant capital investment.

• Implementing new security systems without disrupting airport operations poses integration challenges.
• Increased digitisation of airport operations makes systems more susceptible to cyberattacks.

The expansion of airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions offers substantial opportunities for enhancing security measures, which in turn fuels airport security industry growth.

• Post-pandemic, there's a rising need for touchless screening and biometric solutions.
• Growing awareness of cybersecurity threats offers opportunities for specialized security solutions.

Terrorism, cyberattacks, and insider threats are continually evolving, requiring constant adaptation of security measures.

• Financial instability in certain regions can limit airport security investments.
• Stricter government regulations and compliance requirements can slow down the deployment of new technologies.

Key Players in the Global Airport Security Market and Their Key Initiatives

Smiths Group plc

• Supplied 60 HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX 3D scanners to streamline carry-on baggage security, enhancing efficiency and speed.
• Partnered with SeeTrue to integrate AI technology into CT scanners for enhanced threat detection capabilities.

MITSUTEC.co., Ltd.

• Integrated its advanced imaging and AI technologies to enhance security solutions under OPTEX Group's guidance.
• Developed AI-driven inspection systems, boosting real-time threat detection at airports, further boosting the demand of airport security market.

Thales Group

• Thales was recognized in 2024 for its innovative cybersecurity solutions designed to protect airport infrastructures from evolving threats.
• Implemented its Fly to Gate biometric solution and developed a cloud-based Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC) across several airports in India, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger security.

Bosch Sicherheitssysteme GmbH

• Implemented an advanced IP-based public address and voice alarm system in Terminal 1, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
• Integrated its video surveillance, access control, and drone detection systems into Genetec’s unified security platform.

Global Airport Security Industry Segmentation

“Global Airport Security Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Access Control
• Cyber Security
• Security
• Screening
• Surveillance
• Others

Market Breakup by Equipment Type

• Metal Detector
• Backscatter X-Ray System
• Cabin Baggage Screening Systems
• Others

Market Breakup by Technology

• RFID
• Biometrics
• 3D Scanning
• Others

Market Breakup by Airport Type

• Civil Airports
• Military/Government Airports
• Private Airports

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Airport Security Market Share

The Backscatter X-ray system is playing a crucial role in the expansion of the growth of the airport security industry by offering several key advantages over traditional metal detectors, enhancing both security effectiveness and operational efficiency. Unlike metal detectors, which are limited to detecting metallic objects, backscatter X-ray systems can identify a broader range of threats, including non-metallic items like explosives, drugs, and contraband hidden under clothing. This flexibility makes backscatter technology more effective in addressing modern security challenges that often involve non-metallic threats.

Cabin baggage screening systems have significantly improved the efficiency of the screening process. Passengers can now leave their electronics, liquids, and belts on, which are often the main causes of alarms in metal detectors. This adjustment minimises the need for secondary checks and allows for a quicker flow of people through checkpoints, reducing congestion. Such efficiency is essential for airports that manage high volumes of passengers, enhancing the overall operational flow. Following the pandemic, many international aviation regulatory bodies have introduced stricter screening regulations. Modern cabin baggage screening systems are engineered to comply with these new standards by detecting both traditional threats and emerging risks. As airports work to meet these regulations, investing in advanced baggage screening technology becomes crucial, thus, further driving airport security market growth.

Leading Companies in the Airport Security Market

The companies specialise in advanced technology solutions for critical industries, including defence, aerospace, and security.

• Smiths Group plc
• MITSUTEC.co., Ltd.
• Thales Group
• Bosch Sicherheitssysteme GmbH
• American Science and Engineering Inc
• Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., Ltd.

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