ABSTRACT

Airports face many of the same security risks as airliners, including threats posed by terrorist bombings and chemical or biological attacks. Airports also face a particular risk from potential shooting incidents, particularly in public spaces prior to security screening checkpoints. Airline ticket counters and queues at security screening checkpoints are considered especially vulnerable locations to such attacks, as are curbside drop-off and pick-up locations and ground transportation staging areas located in close proximity to airport terminals. Also, possible chemical and biological or radiological and nuclear attacks against airports are seen as a growing threat in the age of global terrorism. Because major commercial airports play a critical role in travel and commerce and handle large volumes of travelers, they are likely to be viewed as highly attractive targets to terrorist groups, particularly among those groups that have historically targeted components of the air transportation system.