Did you know that Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) is going to be the busiest airport in April 2024? According to OAG Aviation, this will be the busiest airport globally with 5.2 million seats, 3% more seats per day than March 2024. As we quickly approach the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 in July and August this year, the local and international airports are likely to see a surge in traffic. With high footfall and a rigid schedule, airport security is a critical necessity in the physical world as well as in the virtual one. Yet, there are many risks and challenges to airports (and to the aviation industry, at large) that can threaten the lives and wellbeing of passengers, airline personnel and government authorities. Live footage enhanced with innovative video analytics can be a game-changer for high-security zones like airports that aim to revolutionize security and operational processes. Four key aviation security challenges at airports Although the aviation industry has strict guidelines and quality standards in place, incidents are bound to happen. Some key aviation security challenges are as follows. Aircraft vulnerabilities and air traffic management systems such as technical glitches despite expensive maintenance checks can be a costly affair, leading to passenger ire and impacting the brand. Capacity constraints stem from a high demand for flight tickets but a shortage of operational flights, runways, or terminal spaces. This may occur during peak seasons and can be worsened by weather conditions that may cause delays or cancellations. Supply chain risks at airports are a major challenge. This does not just apply to in-flight meals, sanitation, and toiletries but more importantly to baggage and transportation. Misplaced or unclaimed baggage may trigger panic or may even be a potential terrorist threat. Data protection and privacy issues like passenger data are key components at any airport. With confidential passenger information such as nationality, any leaked information is a strict no-no. In view of the evolving cyber threat landscape, airports are eager to incorporate strict operational guidelines to mitigate threats and risks, all in a continuous effort to safeguard human lives and the airport zones as well. Caught on camera Video cameras have been used at airports around the world for more than 50 years now, so what has changed? Data collection and monitoring have. Data plays an integral role in ensuring passenger safety and airport security. With forms of data quickly evolving — text, images, videos and even voice recordings — tracking, monitoring, and updating information is a given. Live footage enhanced with innovative video analytics can be a game-changer for high-security zones like airports that aim to revolutionize security and operational processes. Imagine a passenger’s plight at suddenly discovering that one of the many bags is missing. Now, imagine the panic and outcry at spotting an abandoned piece of luggage in an airport lounge. Sometimes, it may just be a misplaced piece of someone’s luggage, a bag forgotten in a hurry. Yet, security is key. This is where video analytics can step in and save the day. Video analytics to the rescue Video analytics can do so much more than just capture footage. Services range from protecting perimeters to detecting intrusions, from facial recognition to managing crowds, from investigating and forensics to managing traffic, from operations management to artificial intelligence. When deployed at airports, key applications may include detecting abandoned luggage, identifying passengers, and even spotting unauthorized vehicles in restricted zones. These solutions can then process the footage, apply scenario-based rules, and derive actionable insights and incident responses that can go a long way in ensuring aviation security and saving lives. Up, up, and away with cutting-edge video solutions Video analytics software is THE answer to the future of transport and aviation, and airports and governments are becoming increasingly aware of its untapped potential. Collaborating with a video analytics software provider and an implementation expert can streamline operational efficiencies at airports, from helping trace misplaced baggage and identifying lost family members to situational awareness in case of an emergency. However, the mark of a world-class video analytics solution will always be guaranteed passenger safety and robust, incident-free aviation security. Analytics in action In 2023, Eviden’s Computer Vision software stack, Ipsotek, and their partner UTI CFM were awarded three distinct contracts to deploy cutting edge technology at the Cluj, Sibiu, and Satu Mare airports in Romania. System integrator, UTI CFM will be leveraging Ipsotek’s state-of-the-art video analytics systems and deploying these at the airports. With more than 140 airport deployments under its belt, Ipsotek is a global leader in video analytics and data solutions. These projects will set a new benchmark for security, safety and operational excellence. If you are looking to apply video analytics solutions and software in your organization and industry or want to learn more about the data and analytics journey, connect with me. Learn more about Ipsotek’s artificial intelligence and video analytics solutions and how they can protect your assets.