Airport Security Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis, by Security Type (Access Control, Cyber security, Perimeter Security, Screening, Surveillance, and Others), By System (Metal Detectors, Fiber Optic Perimeter Intrusion, Backscatter X-Ray Systems, Cabin Baggage Screening Systems, and Others), By Airport Model (Airport 2.0, Airport 3.0, and Airport 4.0), By Airport Class (Class A, Class B, and Class C), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global airport security market size was USD 10.78 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 31.13 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.50% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the airport security market with a market share of 35.44% in 2019.

Airport security systems are equipment used in security checks at airports. They play a crucial role in preventing airports from threats such as terrorists, smugglers, and thieves. Airport management has to implement stringent guidelines provided by the respective governments of countries and aviation organizations. A series of aircraft hijacking cases between 1969 and 1971 and the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001 have compelled airport authorities to redesign the security norms for airports and the safety of fleets.

One of the major challenges in airport security is identifying how to increase security measures while minimizing passengers' inconvenience. Airport security systems and equipment providers worldwide are focusing on research and development activities to develop user-friendly systems that increase airport and passenger security.

Growing demand for air travel and rising cyber-security attacks at airports are expected to propel the market's growth. However, high initial costs involved in the design and development of security systems and components, and issues related to the maintenance of these systems and interoperability are expected to hamper the overall growth of the airport security market.

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GLOBAL AIRPORT SECURITY Market Snapshot & Highlights

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2019 Market Size: USD 10.78 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 31.13 billion
• CAGR: 8.50% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• Asia Pacific led the global airport security market with a 35.44% share in 2019, driven by strong air passenger growth in China, India, and Southeast Asia, and rising demand for advanced, integrated security systems across expanding airport infrastructures.
• By security type, surveillance systems dominated in 2019, supported by high investment in video analytics, biometrics, and perimeter protection. However, cybersecurity is expected to be the fastest-growing segment due to increasing threats to aviation IT infrastructure and airport operational systems.

Key Country Highlights:

• United States: Modernization of airport infrastructure, large-scale deployment of biometric and AI-based screening systems, and TSA initiatives fuel strong growth.
• India: Drone-based surveillance and biometric check-ins gain traction as part of smart airport upgrades under the UDAN scheme and DigiYatra program.
• China: Rapid expansion of airports with AI-enhanced screening, smart CCTV, and facial recognition technology; major investments in cybersecurity infrastructure.
• Germany: Emphasis on perimeter intrusion detection and CT-based scanning systems across international hubs; focus on upgrading legacy security architecture.
• UAE & Saudi Arabia: Expansion of Class B and C airports with advanced security systems; investments aligned with Vision 2030 and rapid growth in tourism and aviation.
• Australia: Early adopter of Smart Path biometric boarding systems; targets high automation in security processing.

MARKET TRENDS

Use of Computerized Tomography (CT) Walkways in Baggage Handling at Airports to Propel the Market Growth

Computerized tomography, or CT Scanners, is generally associated with head injuries. The technology is also useful for searching for liquids or dangerous goods in baggage entering the airplane. Due to the noisiness and large size of the scanners, their use has been restricted to only check-in luggage. This system is located away from crowded areas to avoid disruption to passengers at airports. However, recent advancements in security technologies have reduced the size and sound associated with CT scanners. Asia Pacific witnessed a growth from USD 3.48 Billion in 2018 to USD 3.82 Billion in 2019.

The concept of CT walkways is replacing the current conveyor belt security system for carry-on luggage. This system can detect any questionable items carried by passengers or in their luggage without removing bags, shoes, and belts during the inspection. This will simplify the scanning process and will lead to less operational time at airports.

Implementation of Biometrics at Airports Improves the Operations Efficiency of Airport

Facial recognition technology is becoming increasingly popular in international airports as well as domestic airports across the globe. This technology eliminates paper and conventional data recording systems and provides a better boarding experience. This technology was mainly used for check-in and exit checks, presently the advanced technology has been adopted by individual airports for boarding processes. The self-service solution offers a user-friendly experience while also enabling high-level automated security checks at airports.

In 2019, Brisbane Airport implemented the Smart Path biometric technology with Air New Zealand passengers, the first to trial the seamless boarding experience.  Post the success of the trial of the technology, the Government of Australia has announced plans to automate over 90% of air travel processing by the end of 2020.

MARKET DRIVERS

Growing Air Passenger Travel to Boost the Market

The growing commercial aviation sector and the rising preference of people to air travel across the globe are expected to boost the airport security system market growth during the forecast period. According to the International Air Transport Association, an additional 44% of air passenger traffic is expected to come from China and India in the next 10 years. Moreover, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region for air passenger travel in the next 10 years. Airport authorities are upgrading their conventional security systems to automatic systems to improve the overall efficiency of the boarding process at the airport. Thus, this will propel the growth opportunity of the market.

Rising Cyber-Security Attacks at Airports Are Expected to Propel the Growth of the Market

Cyber-security is one of the growing concerns for the aviation industry. Over the years, airports across the globe have become highly dependent on critical information and communications systems to run operations, deliver passenger services, and maintain communications with respective services. However, this heavy reliance on technology has also increased the airport’s exposure to various forms of threats, such as cyberattacks. The rising number and level of sophistication of cyber-attacks against airport security globally have prompted airports to invest more in cybersecurity to safeguard operations and protect passengers. Thus, this factor will propel the growth of the airport security system market.

MARKET RESTRAINT

High Costs Associated with Airport Security Systems and Components to Hinder Growth

Advanced and automated security systems simplify the process of boarding at airports. However, huge costs are involved in the design, development, and implementation of these systems into the airports of any country. They require a combination of various subsystems and electronic components to provide real-time data to the airport authority. The development, launch, and maintenance of these systems are costly. Due to the high cost of these systems and required services, the airport authorities prefer to outsource the security services to third-party service providers such as Securitas AB, G4S Plc, and others. Therefore, both, the cost and time required for the development and deployment of these systems prove to be a hindrance to the growth of the market across the globe.

SEGMENTATION

By Security Type Analysis

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High Demand for Cyber Security Propel the Growth of Airport Security Market

Based on the security type, the market is classified into access control, cybersecurity, perimeter security, screening, surveillance, and others. The cybersecurity segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period due to the rise in demand for the safety of crucial aviation-related data and an increase in demand for services related to cybersecurity. However, the surveillance systems segment was the largest in 2019, owing to the huge investment in surveillance by countries such as the U.S., China, and India.

• The cybersecurity segment is expected to hold a 30.12% share in 2019.

By System Analysis

High Demand for Backscatter X-Ray Systems Segment Propel the Growth of Airport Security Market

Based on the system, the market is classified into metal detectors, fiber optic perimeter intrusion, backscatter x-ray systems, cabin baggage screening systems, and others. The backscatter x-ray systems segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period due to a rise in demand for the safety of passengers and luggage security at airports. Whereas, the metal detectors segment was the largest in 2019. The rise in the threat of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 may lead to an increase in demand for airport thermal scanning devices and other electronic security devices in the airport security market during the forecast period to 2027.

By Airport Model Analysis

Increase in Demand for Smart Airport Will Boost the Growth of the Market

Based on the airport model, the market is segmented into airport 2.0, airport 3.0, and airport 4.0. Among these, the airport 4.0 segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the market during the forecast period. Airport 4.0 focuses on connectivity and real-time information by connecting all stakeholders in an integrated digital ecosystem. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for smart and green airports across the globe and high demand for Internet of Things (IoT)-based systems and equipment, whereas the airport 2.0 segment was the largest in 2019.

By Airport Class Analysis

Increase in Demand for Customization in Airport Security Services to Boost the Market

The market is divided into class A, class B, and class C based on airport class. Among these, the class C segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for installing technologically advanced systems at airports and for customizing systems worldwide, whereas the class B segment was the largest segment in 2019.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

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As per our research, Asia-Pacific is estimated to hold the largest market share with a value of USD 3.82 billion in 2019 and is also expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. The region is expected to witness strong growth in the market during the forecast period, owing to the significant rise in air traffic in countries such as China, Singapore, and India. The region is anticipated to witness a robust growth rate during the forecast period.

Europe held the second-largest market share in 2019 owing to the high investment in upgrading conventional systems with technologically advanced security systems and the rising demand for smart and green airports in the upcoming years.

In North America, the U.S. has invested in modernizing its airport systems in recent years. In addition to this, the presence of key manufacturers such as Honeywell International Inc., FLIR Systems, and Raytheon Technologies and the governing agency such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is driving the market growth in the U.S. Moreover, the presence of the biggest international airport, named, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) airport will propel the growth of the market. In Canada, the rising adoption of autonomous security systems by the Canadian Army is boosting the market growth in the region.

Furthermore, the market in the Middle East and Africa is anticipated to rise at a significant CAGR, owing to the significant number of security systems suppliers and distributors in this region. Similarly, increasing investment in domestic airports in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is expected to drive the market in the Middle East and Africa.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Technologically Advanced Security Systems to Propel the Market

The competitive landscape of this market depicts the domination of selected players such as Thales Group, Honeywell International Inc., FLIR Systems, among others. These companies are focusing on designing and developing advanced autonomous security solutions. Moreover, these companies are expanding their geographic reach in Asian countries in the near future.

LIST OF KEY PLAYERS PROFILED:

• American Science and Engineering Inc, (The U.S.)
• Axis Communication AB (Sweden)
• FLIR Systems (The U.S.)
• Hitachi Limited (Japan)
• Honeywell International Inc. (The U.S.)
• L3Harris Technologies Inc. (The U.S.)
• Raytheon Technologies (The U.S.)
• Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany)
• Siemens AG (Germany)
• Smiths Detection Inc. (The U.K)
• Thales Group (France)
• Westminster Group Plc. (The U.K)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2020 – Heathrow Airport had a contract with Thales Group subsidiary Aveillant. The company will provide an anti-drone product to avoid flight disruption from rogue drones. The system was tested and deployed at the London airport as part of wider anti-drone efforts managed by systems integrator Operational Solutions.
• June 2017 – Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications had an agreement with Thales Group and SITA. to provide the security and operations management system for Bahrain International Airport.

REPORT COVERAGE

The airport security market report offers qualitative and quantitative insights into the market and detailed analyses of market size and growth rate for the market's segments.

An Infographic Representation of Airport Security Market

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The report also elaborates on market dynamics, emerging trends, and the competitive landscape. Key insights offered in the report include the adoption of advanced technology, recent industry developments such as partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions, a consolidated SWOT analysis of key players, Porter’s five forces analysis, business strategies of leading market players, and macro and micro-economic indicators.

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