What is happening with aviation security?

In recent weeks, significant concerns have arisen regarding aviation security with reports of fatalities linked to stowaways. In the past month alone, two stowaways were apprehended in separate incidents, while two corpses were discovered concealed in the wheel wells of two JetBlue planes. Furthermore, on a recent flight in Boston, a passenger managed to open an emergency door while the aircraft was taxiing, sparking chaos among travelers.

A comprehensive investigation is underway to determine how these security breaches occurred, but it is evident that there were vulnerabilities within the system. As such, travelers naturally wonder about the safety of their flights.

To summarize the recent alarming events: during the attempted takeoff of a JetBlue flight at Logan International Airport in Boston, a passenger opened an emergency door located over a wing, causing an emergency slide to deploy. Fortunately, other passengers were able to subdue him before the airplane took off, but the incident created a tense situation. On another occasion, two deceased individuals were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft that had arrived in Fort Lauderdale from New York’s JFK Airport. Additionally, in December, another body was discovered in the wheel well of a United Airlines plane that had landed in Maui after a flight from Chicago.

Moreover, a passenger without a valid ticket was caught aboard a Delta flight that was about to depart from Seattle to Honolulu. Another stowaway was apprehended in November after managing to board a Delta flight from New York to Paris without verification of his identity.

Why does this matter?

The unsettling premise arises when considering that if individuals are capable of accessing a plane’s wheel well or clandestinely boarding, what potentially prevents someone with harmful intentions from exploiting the security lapses? Jeff Price, a professor specializing in aviation, notes that the current system has inherent gaps that can be manipulated.

Authorities, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airlines, and airports are actively investigating these security flaws. However, Price points out that some of these gaps are intentionally present in the design of the system.

A growing concern from pilots also underscores the gravity of the situation. Many active pilots have never experienced a major incident since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, leading to a sense of complacency in the aviation community. Dennis Tajer, an experienced airline pilot, echoes these concerns, stating that the emerging fissures in security are worrisome and unacceptable.

The aviation sector faces additional challenges such as shortages of air traffic controllers, outdated tracking technologies, and other operational issues compromising overall safety. Although airplane crashes are relatively infrequent, the National Safety Council indicates that individuals are far more likely to suffer harm in vehicular accidents than in airplane incidents.

The last deadly accident involving a U.S. passenger airline occurred in 2009, marking a period of unprecedented safety. However, occurrences of near-misses at airports in recent years have raised alarms among safety regulators who emphasize the importance of proactive measures rather than merely responding to crises. Tajer cautions that waiting for a devastating event to occur can lead to tragic consequences.

Emergency exits are meant to function in emergencies on the ground, allowing passengers a quick escape when needed. While they are difficult to open during flights due to safety locks and pressure holding them in place, incidents have demonstrated potential risks. For instance, in January 2024, a panel covering an unused emergency exit blew off mid-air, prompting a rapid loss in cabin pressure and the deployment of oxygen masks. Investigations revealed that bolts intended to secure the panel had been omitted during servicing at a factory.

Despite these systemic flaws, flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation, with millions safely reaching their destinations every day. Price emphasizes that such incidents are likely to encourage reevaluation and improvements in aviation safety protocols. He encourages passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities during their flights.