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Fluid Threats Indeed?

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It’s been eight years since police foiled a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives onboard airplanes headed from the United Kingdom to the United States, and since that time intelligence agencies have issued blanket airport security measures, including unprecedented restrictions on carrying liquids onto aircraft. But a lot has changed in those eight years, and technology and policy may have finally started to catch up with – and even stay ahead of – these threats.

For the first time since the foiled bombing, airport restrictions on liquids will be scaled back in Europe. The European Union (EU) has issued policy updates, gradually lifting regulations on carry-on liquids. By 2016, there will be no restrictions whatsoever. Instead, liquids will be tested at airport security checkpoints using cutting-edge explosives detection technology.

That’s not to say airports are lightening up on security. Instead, security regulations are becoming more targeted to thwart emerging threats. Earlier this year, for example, U.S.-bound passengers flying from Europe were required to power on all electronic devices to show that they weren’t packed with explosives.

Staying a step ahead of terrorism threats, especially those involving explosives, takes more than just detection technology. Experts emphasize the importance of a layered security approach that would theoretically stop a terrorist before a bomb is even in play.

Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) have been some of the most heavily-regulated items at airports worldwide. Next month, European airports will lift restrictions on the type and quantity of LAGs. In 2014, airports in Europe allowed larger quantities of baby foods and medications to pass through security checkpoints, and next month – pending the EU’s continued support – clear liquids in clear bottles will be allowed on airplanes.

This change in policy is largely thanks to the development of explosives detection technology that will enable airports to quickly and accurately test liquids for explosives components, explains Pablo Prado, CEO of detection tool manufacturer One Resonance Sensors. This type of explosives detection system screens bottles for dangerous chemicals within seconds, regardless of the opacity or composition of the bottle. Detectors like One Resonance’s MobiLab BLS use MRI-based technology, which tests the liquid without opening the bottle.

According to Security Management, security shouldn’t begin and end at the checkpoints, says Matthew Hager, senior intelligence manager at iJET. There have been instances of attacks occurring outside of the terminals, like the December 2013 shooting of a Philippine mayor and his family at a Manila airport. He’s also seen an emergence of online instructions and YouTube videos focusing on building weapons or incendiary devices past security checkpoints in terminals using items found in duty-free shops.