London City Airport Security: An Industry Perspective Case Study

This dissertation investigates the industry perspective on security procedures and technology at London City Airport, focusing on whether these measures are fit for purpose. It gathers primary and secondary data to understand the perceptions of passengers and industry professionals regarding security at the airport. The study evaluates various security measures implemented by London City Airport for managing passengers and addresses the challenges faced by security staff. Primary data was collected through questionnaires distributed to London City Airport employees, while secondary data was sourced from journals, articles, and books to provide a comprehensive overview of existing security measures. The research aims to contribute valuable insights into industry perceptions of security at London City Airport.

DISSERTATION
(‘’An industry perspective of whether security procedures and
security technology for commercial airline passengers is for
purpose: A Case study of London City Airport LCY’’)

ABSTRACT
The main purpose of doing the current investigation is to carry out the industry
perspective of whether security procedures and security technology for commercial airline
passengers is fit for purpose. In simpler words, it takes out primary as well as secondary
information about the perception of passengers and the industry about the security at London
City Airport. It has also covered the evaluation of different security measures used by London
City Airport for managing and controlling passengers systematically. This has also covered the
several challenges faced by staff operating at London City Airport especially in security. The
report has taken assistance of primary as well as secondary sources for the accumulation of
relevant and appropriate information. Questionnaire is also developed with close ended questions
and given to the employees working at London City Airport so that their perceptions can be
recorded. On the other secondary sources such as journals, articles, newspapers, books have also
used to gather second-hand information in a systematic manner. Through secondary source,
information is taken of already using security measures at the airport. Therefore, the current
investigation holds great piece of information about the industry perceptions in relation to
London City Airport.

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................4
Overview of the topic..................................................................................................................4
Research aim, questions and objectives......................................................................................4
Research Question.......................................................................................................................5
Significance of the study ............................................................................................................5
Problem of the research...............................................................................................................6
Research setting for answering research questions.....................................................................6
Outline of the research methodology..........................................................................................6
Research Gap .............................................................................................................................6
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................7
To evaluate different security measures used by London City Airport to manage and control
passengers...................................................................................................................................7
To explore the industry perceptions in terms of security situation at London City Airport.....11
To determine the challenges faced by staff working in security measures taken at London City
Airport.......................................................................................................................................13
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................15
Questionnaire............................................................................................................................17
Frequency distribution table......................................................................................................18
Data interpretation ....................................................................................................................20
CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION................................................................................29
Conclusion................................................................................................................................29
Recommendation......................................................................................................................29
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................31
Books and journals....................................................................................................................31
APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................33
Questionnaire............................................................................................................................33

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Overview of the topic
Airport security defines the methods and techniques considered in an attempt for
protecting aircraft, staff, passengers and airport property from terrorism, crime, accidental harm
and other threats (Guo, Grushka-Cockayne and De Reyck, 2020). In simpler words, it is the
combination of measures and material & human resources with the motive of safeguarding
airports from unlawful practices and interferences. Unlawful interference can be acts of
terrorism, devastation, threat to property and life, bombing, communication of false threat etc. In
an airport, many people pass through everyday. This highlights potential targets for terrorism and
other types of crime due to the number of individuals located in one common place. The large
number of people on large airliners increases the death rates with attacks on different aircraft and
the chance to consider a hijacked airplane as as lethal weapon may give an alluring target for
terrorism (Lee and et. al., 2021).
Security at airports attempts in preventing any type of threats or any dangerous situations
from entering the country. When airport security gets success then the chances of any dangerous
situation, threats or illegal items entering into an aircraft, airport or country are greatly decreased
(Vernon, 2021). The security at airport serves multiple purposes such as protecting the airport
from any threatening events, reassuring the travelling through public transport is safe and to
protect people as well as country.
The present investigation is focused towards carrying out information about the
perceptions of staff and passengers about the security they face go through at airport. This also
includes the various security measures followed by London City Airport for managing and
controlling passengers (Nowak, Ogonowski and Kustra, 2019). This research report covers the
detailed information in respect of passengers' perception in relation to the challenges they face
due to excessive security measures. The report majorly covers the information about passengers
who have travelled through London City Airport. City Airport is generally called London Airport
until 1966. It is known as major international airport in London, England. It is known as one of
six international airports serving London.
Research aim, questions and objectives
Research Aim

‘’An industry perspective of whether security procedures and security technology for
commercial airline passengers is for purpose: A Case study of London Heathrow’’
Research Objectives
 To evaluate different security measures used by London City Airport to manage and
control passengers
 To explore the industry perceptions of the security situation at London City Airport
 To determine the challenges faced by staff working in security measures taken at London
City Airport
Research Question
What is the industry perspective in relation to security technology and security procedures
for commercial airline passengers within London City Airport?
Significance of the study
The current study is of great importance because it highlights the significance of security
measures used by an airport for managing and controlling passengers. Airport security is the
concept which holds great significance because it is directly related to the safety of passengers
and people working there. This study showcases the several security measures adopted by
London City Airport so that passengers can travel safely. This research is significant because it
puts focus on including every attempt of airport in the procedure of preventing any type of
threats or potentially dangerous circumstances from entering or arising the country. It also
includes that when airport security succeeds in its work then the chances of any threats entering,
any dangerous circumstance entering into an airport, country or airport are easily decreased. The
other significant part of the existing study is that it includes the perceptions of the industry in
relation to security measures at London City Airport and the challenges faced by staff to main
every security measure at the airport.
The current study is quite important by the perspective of students, airports and researchers
as it gathers in-depth information about the security measures. For students this investigation is
important as it covers perception of the industry regarding airport security and kinds of security
measures used by airports for controlling passengers and any other threats. This will be quite
useful for them for their academic purpose. On the other hand, this is also important for
researcher as they can use the current investigation as secondary source for doing the research on
same topic.

Problem of the research
The major problem of the present investigation is that airport security is the element that
holds great importance but the perception of industry and passengers are different related to the
same. It is determined that passengers think that airport security measures are time consuming
and because of this reason they have to reach airport quite before. However, industry thinks that
airport security is necessary because it is directly related to the reducing the chance of any threat
or dangerous situation so that passengers and the whole country can be kept safe. Therefore, it
creates issues while maintaining and controlling security at airport.
Research setting for answering research questions
For answering the research question of the existing investigation different secondary
sources have been used such as books, articles, newspapers, journals, publications etc. These
sources include the great piece of information about the industry perceptions in relation to airport
security. It also shows the relationship between security measures and the protection of
passengers, country, staff etc.
Outline of the research methodology
The existing research takes usage of quantitative research methods for the accumulation
of quantitative and statistical data. In this questionnaire is used for the collection of numerical as
well as primary piece of information in a systematic way. Researcher uses positivism philosophy
so that assembled numerical information and primary data can be easily evaluated and analysed.
Secondary sources are also considered so that section of literature review can be addressed in a
systematic manner such as books, newspapers, journals, publications etc.
Research Gap
The main gap identified in the current investigation is that earlier conducted research does
not include industry perception as well as passengers’ perceptions. This investigation involves
both the perception but the existing literature does not give more focus to statistical and
numerical facts and figures about the airport security measures.

LITERATURE REVIEW
To evaluate different security measures used by London City Airport to manage and control
passengers
According to (Nikolaou and Dimitriou, 2021), Airport security measures are used for
protecting aircraft and passengers from any theft, crime, terrorism and accidental threats. Airport
security plays an important role in building trust among passengers at the time of air travelling
because they want to feel secure. For ensuring safety of passengers City Airport follow strict
protocols and procedures which helps in reducing threat levels. It is necessary for all the
passengers at the airport to pass through the security control for controlling the risk of fraud or
threat with them. The airport implements these rules and regulations for attaining safety of air
travellers at the airport and constantly monitor their performances and processes to assure the
safety of them. The City airport work closely with different partners such as the CAA and UK
government, Metropolitan Police for maintaining high security levels every-time. If anyone
founds to be doubtful it is significant that the security control individuals take strict action
towards that person and punish them for the same. Any unlawful practice will result in terrorism,
bombing, threat to life and property, devastation and threat of false communication which can
harm the life of passengers and aircraft. There are several types of security measures that London
City airport adopts to protect the interest of their passengers:
 Pre-board screening of passengers – This is considered as a common process that is
performed at every airport in all over the world. City airport screen their passenger before
boarding to protect them from any miss-happening and to protect their life. The cabin
baggage is also screened to check the luggage items of different passengers for ensuring
that they are not carrying any harmful object or item which can harm the life of a person.
The screening officers at the airport use different screening technologies and procedures
to protect passengers from carrying any forbidden items beyond the screening
checkpoint.
 Screening of Non- passenger – Non-passengers include people of flight and cabin
crews, caterers, baggage handlers, maintenance personnel, airline customer service
department and other staff of airport (Chaouk, Pagliari and Moxon, 2020). These
passengers are screened at the time of entering into restricted areas of the airport.

Screening of non-passengers occur at operational hours of airport doors that lead into
restricted areas and in random areas. To ensure maximum safety at the airport the
security control officers use biometric technology at different checkpoints.
 Screening of hold baggage – The London City airport uses this type of screening to
check baggage or hold baggage of passengers by using explosive detection methods such
as computed tomography system, physical search and an x-ray system. It is necessary to
screen the luggage of travelling passengers to ensure their safety from any threat and
danger. Once the baggage of passengers is checked it is passed into the aircraft.
 Identity card for restricted areas – The facility is provided by City airports for non-
passengers to enter into any restricted area. Non-passengers has to use fingerprint
biometric identifiers and iris which allow them to get into the restricted areas of airports.
This facility helps in detaining the individual personality for ensuring proper safety of
airport passengers. This helps in protecting the travelling passengers from any dangerous
criminal activity.
 Military forces and Security guards – All the airports are secured and protected by
local police forces of UK to control and manage the passengers at the airport. To check
the tickets of all passengers there are military forces and police forces at all entry points
for this purpose (Serrano and Kazda, 2018). These forces are highly trained and skilled in
their work which helps in handling all the kinds of situations.

Illustration 1: Satisfaction of customers from airport security measures
(Source: Salas E. B, 2022)
Proper management of security helps in analysing passengers in a more better way for ensuring
high safety at the airport. The security needs to be polite and cooperative in order to explain
passengers if they face any problem at the time of security checkpoint. It is the duty of the
security control officers to protect the airport from any dangerous events, reassuring the safety of
passengers through aircraft is safe and to protect the interest of all people as well as of the
country. Airport security is important for assuring safety of air travellers and non-passengers for
gaining trust of people that they are travelling a safe public transport.
According to (Klenka, 2019), there are many rules for a passenger in relation to what
they can and can not carry in their hand baggage and hold luggage on an aircraft. This involves
restricted and dangerous commodities and items. Every baggage item, involving hold luggage
and hand luggage should be screened by security of the airport. It is quite significant for
passengers to pack with this in their mind for avoiding every kind of unnecessary delays at
airport security. The staff of airport security does not let anything through if they find any
dangerous item.

Passengers are always advised to check with the airline before making any travel plan
and the size bags they can easily take on aircraft. The electrical item and electronic gadgets,
passengers are allowed to carry on a flight generally depend on the airport and country they are
travelling to the United Kingdom from. There are many airlines which include several and
different restrictions. Thus, it is advised to passengers to check with their airline about what they
can carry in their hand luggage (Huttunen, 2019).
Passengers are allowed to take necessary medicines of more than 100ml in their hand
luggage and also take inhalers and liquid dietary foodstuffs. They must have supporting
documents from appropriate relevant medical professionals such as copy of the prescription and
letter from the doctor (Lamb and et. al, 2021). Employees of airport might require to open the
containers for screening the liquids at the point of security.
There are certain restrictions on the amount of liquids a passenger can carry in hand
luggage. It is advised to passengers to pack liquids in hold baggage. Some of the liquids include:
every type of drink involving water, semi-liquid or liquid foods such as honey, syrup, jam and
soup, toiletries and cosmetics, involving oils, perfumes, lotions, lip gloss and mascara, pastes
involving toothpaste, gels involving shower & hair gel, solution of contact lens, sprays involving
hairspray, spray deodorants and shaving foam, every other solution and commodities with same
consistency (Tuchen, Arora and Blessing, 2020).
According to (Carr, Biswas and Wheeler, 2020), it is determined that passengers can
carry liquids on a plane and they are not banned entirely. It is only the amount of liquids that a
passenger can carry that is limited. There are reasons that put restriction on bringing liquid on
aircraft in large quantities. In the year 2006, a terrorist plot had hatched for detonating liquid
explosives, taking as soda drinks on an aircraft travelling from UK to Canada and United States.
British Police have founded that terrorists smuggled explosives. These terrorists have improvised
devices which are explosive in nature and they had disguised them in the bottles of soft drinks.
All these bottles they have kept in hand luggage with great number of batteries. The terrorists
were intended to collect the bombs on aircraft and detonate each (Zhang and Mahadevan, 2021.
The purpose was to kill thousands of passengers through blasting up to 10 transatlantic flights. If
this terrorist plan would have succeeded then it may had created civilian causalities on an
unprecedented scale. As an outcome of this incident or planned plot, every type of liquid was
entirely banned from hand luggage straight away. Passengers were allowed to take travel

documents and only important prescriptions on aircraft. In the special case of baby milk then the
accompanying passenger needs to taste the milk before passing it through security (Dube,
Nhamo and Chikodzi, 2021). This kind of ban has seen London Heathrow airport and other
airports of the United Kingdom grind to a near standstill.
According to (Albert and et. Al, 2020), in the year 2001, months after the 9/11 attacks,
Richard Reid has boarded American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris to Miami with the motive of
making terrorist attack. This person has on-boarded the aircraft with home made bombs and
these bombs were hidden by him in his shoes. In the flight, Reid has tried for detonating his
shoes but this person has struggled in lighting the fuse. Passengers and crew members have
noticed and stopped him (Willie, 2019). The aircraft then diverted to Logan International Airport
of Boston.
To explore the industry perceptions in terms of security situation at London City Airport
According to (Wood and Gardiner, 2021), different passengers have different perceptions
regarding the security situations at London City airport. People want to feel safe and secure
while checking in at the airport as they carry important items in their luggage. Passengers want
that the airport follows smart security measures for better functioning of operations at the airport.
The security of City airport focus more on passengers to feel safe while giving their baggage for
check-in purpose. In order to feel more safe at the time of screening at the airport there are
several changes that are explained below:
 Introduction of remote screening – This system is used for screening hold baggage of
passengers but the airport must consider this for checking cabin baggage also (Caetano,
Alves and de Oliveira Alves, 2021). The benefit of following this system helps in better
utilization of manpower and also provides a quite environment for all screeners for
focusing on evaluating x-ray images of luggage. This offers less crowd at the checkpoint
area and makes environment contact free for offering better facilities to the passengers.
 Automated cabin baggage screening – This system is beneficial for the customers as it
provide them the facility to leave their laptops and other electronic gadgets in their
luggage which helps in reducing hassle for passengers. This helps the passengers in
acquiring more safety and security as they are free from their luggage to carry in their
hands and put it in the flight cabins which is quite difficult to manage for passengers.

 Public issues related to comfort – Sometimes passengers do not feel comfortable at the
time of screening because of enclosed space to stand. Technologies that include physical
touch with an object such as using portal lines with that brush against the human body
makes the other person uncomfortable. So it is important that they use technology that do
not involve the use of objects that makes passengers feel irritated and uncomfortable at
the time of screening at the airport.
 Public acceptance – It is very important to understand the nature of different passengers
in order to accelerate the screening of different technologies. Acceptance of all
passengers is necessary which does not provide any harm to any passenger at the time of
screening. For introducing new screening technologies it is important that it is accepted
by all passengers that travel from aircraft. It depends on the perception of people of how
they find that security technology useful and desirable for them.
 Public concerns related to health effects – The perception of public is different
regarding screening as some people think that imaging technology and dielectric portals
affect the health of people (Nowak, Ogonowski and Kustra, 2019). But these
technologies does not harm the health of people, so the thinking of people is wrong. So it
is important that airport securities provide proper guidance to their passengers for making
them understand that scanning technologies do not provide any harm to the health of the
passengers.
 Public perception about privacy – Privacy plays an important role in ensuring the
safety and security of passengers for building trust among them. Displaying the image of
human body on a monitor will posed as a concern to most of the people that pass through
screening checkpoints. So it is important for airport securities to adopt imaging
technologies that makes it appear less human.