This Winter Travel Season, Tech is Playing an Important Role in Denver’s Aviation Security

It may not be a surprise for those who frequently travel during the holidays, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed that on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, 2.9 million jet setters officially broke a record for most airline passengers on a single day.

Government officials forecasted a record travel season and TSA saw 7 of the 10 busiest travel days in the agency’s history in 2023 alone. Here at home, the Denver International Airport (DIA) prepared for nearly 800,000 people to travel through the airport’s security checkpoints throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, and DIA saw its “busiest air travel day” of the season on December 21.

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With the winter travel season in full swing, much attention has rightly been paid to the security protocols at our nation’s airports. DIA has struggled to contend with the barrage of travelers boarding flights to destinations across the world. In June, the airport’s security lines stretched into the baggage claim areas as a record-breaking 6.7 million passengers passed through the airport’s checkpoints. Unfortunately, these historic figures have been accompanied by a string of troubling security incidents. In September, all operations at the airport were temporarily suspended after a passenger was able to get through security with a gun. The same protocol was triggered in early November after a passenger was able to simply walk past a security checkpoint. 

While the airport has announced it will open new security checkpoints early next year, there has been a concerted effort to make security screening more effective and efficient. One of the ways DIA is improving its safety procedures is by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the screening process.

Earlier this month, DIA participated in a pilot program where it deployed an innovative AI-enabled security system that utilizes millimeter-wave technology and 3D imaging to identify dangerous and prohibited items at airports, even if they are non-metal goods. The technology can detect items such as liquids, powders, and even ceramic and plastic weapons. Additionally, the system does not require any physical contact, and individuals can keep their jackets on and everyday items in their pockets. Privacy concerns are one of the most important considerations when implementing new screening procedures — thankfully, the system tested at DIA does not retain images of individuals who are screened.

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For the time being, the AI system at DIA is only equipped for airport employee screening amid concerns of criminal gangs exploiting gaps in security to infiltrate airports. While this application is already having a positive effect on airport safety, the technology is also showing signs of expanded utility beyond employee screening. 

We can only hope this type of technology will be integrated into the passenger screening process as well. However, DIA’s willingness to embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance the airport’s operations represents an important step forward in bolstering aviation security and improving efficiency. Furthermore, as competition continues to fuel innovation in the tech sector, I am confident that AI, 3D imaging, and other technological advancements will serve as indispensable tools to help the travelers get to their destinations safer and faster. 

Jeffrey Price is recognized as a leading “Aviation Security and Airport Management” expert by U.S. Federal Courts and is a professor in the Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver.