OPINION Game-changer Sayed ELwekel, director general of infrastructure and cybersecurity at the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation, explores how AI will transform airport security The aviation industry faces a constant challenge – maintaining the highest levels of security while ensuring a smooth passenger experience. AI offers a powerful solution to address these complex security needs. By analyzing vast amounts of data and leveraging advanced algorithms, it can significantly enhance airport security and improve passenger safety. The future of airport security As artifical intelligence continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the airport industry. For example, it can be usefully applied to predictive maintenance as AI can analyze sensor data from airport equipment to predict equipment failures, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime. This ensures the smooth operation of critical airport systems and minimizes disruptions. Alongside this, AI-powered systems can analyze passenger preferences and behavior to provide tailored services, such as personalized security screening based on risk assessments. This can not only expedite the process but also enhance the passenger experience. In addition, AI can help protect airport IT systems from cyber threats by detecting and responding to attacks in real time. This safeguards sensitive data and ensures airport operations are not compromised. A personal perspective In my role as director general of infrastructure and cybersecurity at the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation, I was directly involved in a project that developed an AI-powered baggage screening system. This system analyzed x-ray images with exceptional accuracy, and was far more effective than traditional methods at identifying potential threats. This not only improved security but also expedited the screening process, reducing wait times for passengers. Witnessing the positive impact of this technology firsthand solidified my belief in the potential of AI to transform airport security. Emerging trends and challenges The intersection of AI and airport security is a rapidly evolving field. Some key trends to watch include real-time analytics, biometric authentication and autonomous systems. In the field of real-time analytics, AI-powered systems can analyze real-time data streams from various sources, such as CCTV footage, sensor data and social media, to efficiently identify potential threats in real time. This comprehensive approach enables a more proactive security posture. Beyond facial recognition, a wide range of biometric technologies such as iris scanning and fingerprint recognition are becoming increasingly sophisticated. These advances offer enhanced security and convenience, potentially streamlining the passenger identification process. Autonomous AI-powered drones and robots can be deployed for tasks such as perimeter security, baggage handling and cleaning. This not only improves efficiency but also minimizes human error, potentially reducing the risk of security breaches or accidents. The aviation industry can harness the power of AI to create a future where air travel is both secure and seamless Conclusion AI has the potential to revolutionize airport security by improving efficiency, accuracy and overall safety. By addressing the challenges and embracing the opportunities, the aviation industry can harness the power of AI to create a future where air travel is both secure and seamless. Continued collaboration between AI developers, airport authorities and regulatory bodies is essential to ensure responsible and effective implementation of AI-powered security solutions. As a security specialist, I am excited about the positive impact AI can have on the future of air travel, making it both safer and more passenger friendly. However, the adoption of AI in airport security also presents challenges. The first is data privacy and security. The collection and analysis of large amounts of personal data can raise concerns about privacy and security. Thus, robust data protection measures must be implemented to mitigate these risks. Travelers need to be assured that their data is handled responsibly and ethically. Similarly, the use of AI in security raises ethical questions, such as the potential for bias in algorithms and the impact on human rights. Transparency in AI development and operation is crucial to ensure fairness and accountability. Finally, the technology comes with serious technical complexity considerations. Integrating AI systems into complex airport environments requires significant technical expertise and investment. Airports need to invest in the latest infrastructure, training and talent to effectively use AI security solutions. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sayed ELwekel is a seasoned IT professional with a proven track record in leading digital transformation initiatives. As the director general of infrastructure and cybersecurity at the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation, he has successfully implemented critical projects to enhance security, efficiency and service delivery. His expertise lies in modernizing IT infrastructure, deploying advanced security solutions and leveraging cloud technologies www.PassengerTerminalToday.com 16 Passenger Terminal World APRIL 2025
Passenger Terminal World Passenger Terminal World April 2025 Issue: Page 16
