Securing the skies: airports and the fight against terrorism

Few people, it seems, have a good word to say about airport security. Interminable queues, brusque security staff, confusing or contradictory regulations and intrusive body searches are just some of the complaints that are often articulated. However, while airports and commercial aircraft remain targets for terrorist activity, robust security screening and the intensive surveillance of passengers, airport employees, and airline staff will remain a vital, if much maligned, part of modern air travel.