Aviation security experts and industry stakeholders have called for a shift from traditional threat detection to proactive, human-centred strategies as the global aviation landscape becomes increasingly complex and unpredictable.
The call came at an Aviation Summit held on June 16, 2026, hosted by the Managing Director of Pathfinders, Nkechi Onyenso, under the theme “Navigating the Ever-Revolving Aviation Landscape: From Emerging Threats to Strategic Resilience”.
The summit convened professionals from across the aviation, security, and regulatory ecosystem to examine evolving risks and the urgent need for adaptive, forward-looking solutions.
Delivering the keynote address, Philip Baum, Managing Director of Green Light Ltd. and Visiting Professor of Aviation Security at Coventry University, traced the evolution of aviation security from the first recorded hijacking in 1931 to present-day threats.
While acknowledging that traditional risks such as hijackings and bombings have declined, Baum warned that the aviation sector must not become complacent, stressing that adversaries continue to evolve and exploit systemic vulnerabilities.
He argued that existing screening systems remain largely focused on detecting prohibited items rather than identifying malicious intent, a gap he said could be exploited by sophisticated attackers.
Baum highlighted a growing spectrum of threats facing the industry, including cyber attacks, insider threats, and mental health-related risks among aviation personnel, which he identified as the three most critical dangers to civil aviation today.
He also drew attention to the increasing frequency of unruly passenger incidents, noting that industry data recorded over 93,000 cases in 2025 – equivalent to one incident in every 355 flights. He added that airport law enforcement agencies globally respond to an estimated 300 such incidents daily.
Beyond passenger misconduct, Baum pointed to emerging tactics such as avión patera where passengers stage in-flight emergencies to force diversions and escape upon landing, as well as other risks including cockpit laser attacks, missile threats, and stowaways.
He further warned that aviation is increasingly being used as a platform for political activism, citing disruptions caused by groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Femen, as well as protest actions linked to deportation cases.
Baum stressed that human intelligence remains the most effective defence against both current and future threats, noting that airports are not equipped to detect chemical or biological weapons – potential tools for future attacks.
He also raised concerns over insider threats within the aviation ecosystem, including rare but devastating cases of aircraft-assisted suicides by pilots, underscoring the importance of mental health awareness and monitoring within the industry.
In a complementary presentation, Police Advisor with Ghent Local Police, Belgium, Kim Covent, offered a cross-sector perspective on resilience, drawing lessons from policing, nuclear security, museum protection, and victim safety.
Covent emphasised the growing influence of disinformation on public trust and operational effectiveness, noting that legitimacy and clarity of roles are essential for effective security systems.
She highlighted insider threats and the implications of generative artificial intelligence, stressing that individuals can represent both the greatest vulnerability and the strongest line of defence within any security framework.
Drawing from museum security, she pointed to challenges posed by cultural activism and limited resources, while also addressing emerging risks linked to online victimisation and technology-driven vulnerabilities.
According to Covent, building resilience requires a deeper understanding of human behaviour, the adoption of multidisciplinary perspectives, and continuous preparedness through realistic simulations and scenario-based exercises.
In her closing remarks, Onyenso underscored the need for stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and translate insights into action, noting that resilience has become a strategic necessity for the aviation sector.
“Our discussions have reinforced a critical truth: resilience is no longer optional; it is a strategic imperative”, she said. “The ability to anticipate risks, adapt to change, and innovate with purpose will determine the sustainability and success of the aviation industry”.
She called for stronger collaboration across borders, improved governance frameworks, and sustained investment in both human capital and technology, stressing that these elements are essential to building a safer, more resilient aviation ecosystem.
Onyenso also commended participants, speakers, and partners for their contributions, urging continued collaboration to shape an aviation industry that is secure, sustainable, and future-ready.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and implement strategies that will enhance resilience and position the aviation sector to effectively navigate emerging challenges and opportunities.